Ella Mae Williams passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 82, leaving her family with treasured memories and a lasting legacy of love. She was born on June 17, 1944, in Sublime, Texas, to Presley Sims Sr. and Lue Birda Sims. Raised by a father who was a preacher and a loving mother, she grew up with the influence of faith and family. During her lifetime, Ella Mae was married to Wilbert McGrew and Joe Williams.
Ella Mae was a loving mother who believed in discipline while maintaining the same sentiment toward her four children, Kelvin, Kenneth, Sabrina, and Michael. She insisted on seeing or talking to her children every day. No matter how grown they became or how busy life got, she wanted that connection. If a day passed without a conversation, she made sure they knew she had noticed: “I didn’t talk to you yesterday”. Those simple words captured something special about her love. She missed their voices, valued their presence, and wanted to be part of their everyday lives. Her children will always carry with them the feeling of being loved, missed, and wanted by their mother.
Ella Mae’s care for others also found expression in her nursing career. She worked at Ben Taub Hospital, LBJ Hospital, and Northwest Health Center. Helping to heal those who were sick or in need brought her fulfillment and gave her an opportunity to care for people in their time of need. She was a member of Greater Purelight Missionary Church. At home, she enjoyed cooking and caring for her plants. Among the many dishes her family treasured, her peach cobbler and buttermilk pies were especially memorable. Those familiar favorites will remain a loving reminder of her and the time they shared.
Ella Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Presley Sims Sr. and Lue Birda Sims; and her siblings, Lloyd Baines, Pauline Ceaser, and George Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory her four children, Kelvin (Connie), Kenneth (Ladonna), Sabrina, and Michael (Melissa); her brother, Presley Sims Jr. (Lottie); and her sister, Adline Sims. Her memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren: Ralfeal, Kevin, Constance, Casiffaniey, Kyle, Shocara, Monique, Demetria, Jamal, Joshua, Mala’Kai, and Malia’; her great grandchildren: Logan, Koby, Makayla, Kayden H., Aaliyah, Aniyah, Armani, Johnnay, Journey, Kayden M., Deiveon, Darien, Kardae, and Ariel; and her great-great grandson, Montrell, along with extended family and dear friends.
Her voice, her lessons, and the daily connection she cherished will remain with her children. Above all, they will remember a mother whose love made them feel that their presence mattered—every single day.
Viewing will be held at Good Shepard Missionary Baptist Church, 7818 Bonaire St, Houston, Texas 77028, US, on 2026-10-03 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 7818 Bonaire St., Houston, Texas 77028, US, on 2026-10-03 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Committal will take place at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039, US, on 2026-10-03 from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.
Active Pallbearers will be Kyle O. McGrew, Ralfeal K. McGrew, Kevin O. McGrew, Jamal R. McMillan, Joshua T. Lastrappe, and Mala'kai J. Williams. Honorary Pallbearers will be Herbert Baines, Kerry L. Baines, Presley Sims III, Steven McAfee, Russell Hodge, Elvis Stevens, Scottie Stevens, and Felvin Stevens.
