Dr. Ella Louise Adams Curry

On August 25, 2026 at the age of 90, Ella transitioned from this earthly life. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Northway Church, 8200 Northway Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77382, on October 10th from 3:00pm-5:00pm. Her passing leaves a profound absence in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and the many lives she touched throughout an extraordinary journey. Ella was born in Athens, Georgia. She was baptized at First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Augusta, Georgia, where the foundation of her faith would remain an important part of the woman she became. Ella and her husband, Willie, lived across many US states including Georgia, Alabama, Illinois, New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania and retired in Houston, Texas. They also lived in other locations including Hawaii while serving in the US Army.

She shared 68 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Willie Marlvin Curry.

Husband Willie is a retired Biochemist who published multiple U.S. Patents; he is 98 years young. Together, they built a life marked by devotion, companionship, adventure, laughter, and an enduring love that carried them through nearly seven decades.

Ella leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Willie Marlvin Curry; her three living children; Hallie, Willie Jr and Tony; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving sister Lacy. Her greatest joy and treasure was watching her family grow across generations and knowing that the love she poured into them would continue long after her earthly journey.

Ella Curry was more than a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a trailblazer in healthcare, a visionary leader, an advocate for vulnerable populations, and a woman whose professional accomplishments opened doors for others.

Her educational journey reflected her determination to continue learning and serving at the highest level. Ella earned her Registered Nurse Diploma from the University Hospital School of Nursing in Augusta, Georgia. She later received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from DePaul University in Chicago, a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, and a Doctoral Degree of Philosophy in Mental Health Administration from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ella also proudly served as an officer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. That military service became an important foundation for her subsequent years of dedicated work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she continued to serve veterans and advance healthcare administration.

Throughout her career, Dr. Curry was recognized as a woman ahead of her time. Her vision extended beyond simply managing healthcare institutions. She believed deeply that people living with mental illness deserved dignity, opportunity, community, and the best possible quality of life.

Dr. Curry held numerous positions of increasing administrative responsibility within the Illinois Department of Mental Health. Her historic appointment was entered into the Congressional Record, recognizing her as the first African-American woman appointed to lead a major state mental health facility in the nation.

Her professional journey also included leadership roles with the Veterans Administration in Tuskegee and Birmingham, Alabama, and Chicago, Illinois, as well as positions at Oak Forest Hospital and the Illinois Department of Mental Health in Tinley Park, Illinois.

She later became Executive Director of the Staten Island Development Center, formerly known as the Willowbrook facility. Her experiences during this period became part of the story told in her book, “On the Record – From Whistle-Blower to Champion of Mental Health Care”.

Dr. Curry served as Director of the New York City Regional Office, with operational responsibility for ten state-operated psychiatric centers. She later retired as Senior Deputy Director of the New York State Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

Later she returned to the Department of Veterans Affairs in Houston Texas, serving as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations. During her retirement years, she continued sharing her knowledge and experience as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center and within the Lone Star College System in Texas.

She also completed the requirements to serve as a Medical-Legal and Quality Management Consultant, ultimately launching Curry & Curry Associates, LLC.

Her love of travel also found expression through her Ladies of Leisure (LOL) Social Club and her many adventures with friends. She enjoyed her Bridge Club, including her time with the Northgate Country Club Bridge Group of Houston Texas, where fellowship and friendly competition brought her great pleasure.

May she rest peacefully, knowing that she lived a life of purpose, served others with distinction, loved her family deeply, and left this world better than she found it.

In accordance with Ella’s wishes, a private interment will be held for immediate family where she will be laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston Texas.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for family & friends will be held on October 10th 3:00pm-5:00pm at:

Northway Church located on 8200 Northway Drive in The Woodlands, TX 77382

In lieu of flowers, Ella requested donations to be made to the United Negro College Fund, Diabetes and Cancer Society and/or Veterans Administration Health Center for Women located in Houston.

The family extends gratitude to nurses and staff at Houston Hospice, Champions Healthcare at Willowbrook and Brookdale at Cypress Station in Houston Texas for their compassionate care.

May God bless each of you for the love and kindness you have shown to the Curry family.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Family of Dr. Ella Louise Adams Curry