Born on July 4, 1944 to Herbert and Edna Sharpe, Ella spent her early years in Portsmouth, Va. She often recounted stories of the multi-generational home in which she grew up and her love for the many relatives with whom she lived. She learned how to sew from her aunts and would regularly sew outfits for herself and others during her high school years.
Ella attended nursing school and began working at Portsmouth General Hospital after high school. There, she met a handsome young resident from India, Ramesh Parikh, a man she called “the most fascinating man I had ever met.” When he moved to Austin, TX, she joined the US Navy and served in Corpus Christi, TX, to be near him. She was always proud that she was a veteran, serving three years as a nurse and supporting the troops.
On April 13, 1967, Ella Sharpe married the man of her dreams. Several years later, two weeks before the birth of their first child, Ella and Ramesh moved from Austin to Houston. In Houston, Ella created a home and raised her three children and her beloved poodles. Ella had a passion for motherhood, becoming involved in her children’s activities in school and church.
In 1988, after years of hard work and late nights, Ella achieved her dream of graduating from college, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree from UT Health Science Center in Houston. Several years later, Ella began to work as a school nurse in several HISD elementary schools. She was thrilled when she began to work at Condit Elementary in Bellaire, a school at which she worked until she retired. Ella fell in love with the children, the adults and the job. Her family knows that everywhere she went there were happy cries of “Nurse Ella!” from children, young and old. She adored all the hugs and smiles she gave to and received from her “kids”.
Throughout her life, Ella celebrated with her children as they graduated from high school, college and graduate school. She rejoiced as they got engaged, married and welcomed their own children. She enjoyed watching her grandkids grow and learn and she deeply loved each of them. Ella lived her life bravely, holding firm to her Faith and the hand of her “Dahling” Ramesh until her Lord called her home.
Ella was always quick to laugh and quick to love; she enjoyed adventures and was excited by surprises. She always saw the best in those around her. Although she is gone from this life, those she left behind know that they will see her again, whole, in Heaven!
Ella is survived by her husband of 51 years, Ramesh Parikh, her children: Asha Parikh, Raj and wife Kiera Parikh, and Anjali and husband Anthony Brown, her grandchildren: Justin (24), Anja (21), Andrew (11), Evan (9), Jordan (7), and Shepherd (6), her brother Herb Sharp and her extended family and friends.
