Mary Ellen Gayle Billingsley transitioned from this world into the loving arms of Christ on January 16, 2022. She was born on July 31, 1940, in Kansas City, Kansas to Hurley and Pauline Thompson. Though her parents played a key role in her live, at the age of 3 she was "adopted" by her aunt and uncle, the late, Dan and Jewel Jordan. Mary was also nurtured and loved by her grandmother, the late Susie Turner.
Mary Ellen grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from Sumner High School in 1958. After high school, Mary Ellen attended junior college and subsequently transferred to Avila College. She did extremely well and graduated with honors in 1963 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. Her ambition was to set on being a dentist however her undergraduate studies introduced her to biological research work. She thrived in her career as a research biologist in light of being met with extreme prejudice. Mary Ellen continued to persevere to become one of the first black women in Kansas City to create vaccines and study their efficacy in animals. She also did extensive work in the field of tissue culture. Mary Ellen stayed active in her career until her retirement in 1972. During this time, she made the decision to become a homemaker and raise her two, soon to become, three beautiful daughters.
Mary Ellen was the third oldest daughter born to the late Hurley and Pauline Thompson. In later years, after their marriage dissolved, Pauline ultimately went on to remarry and have two other daughters, the late Regina Lucille and Valda Eunice. Mary Ellen loved her sisters and often shared great stories of them growing up. Hurley also remarried and had other children as well.
Mary Ellen began attending Mt Zion Baptist Church from birth. Growing up in a religiously strict household meant every time the church doors were opened, Aunt Jewel, Uncle Dan and Mary Ellen were in attendance. In spite of this, Mary Ellen accepted Christ at an early age and loved the lord throughout the duration of her life.
To make attending church more palpable, she learned to read music and play the piano and organ. By the time she was 6 she was playing for services during the week and Sunday school. She continued to play for Mt Zion Baptist Church on and off for over 50 years. After Mary Ellen moved to Atlanta, she continued to play for friends, at her retirement home, until she became ill in 2016.
Mary Ellen loved her family and would tell anyone that her girls were the love of her life. She would do anything for them; no sacrifice was too great. Mary Ellen was 1000% vested in her girls; Rochelle, Jewel and Donita. She also had a special love for her grandkids and great grand kids. She fought a strong fight to stay here to be with them; she never gave up! Mary Ellen was funny, witty, brilliant and always had some "sayings" and advice to give you. And yes, she did gossip every now and then but according to her, she was only "speaking the truth." Mary Ellen loved her to read, sew, watch game shows, draw, do crossword puzzles, watch movies (Harlem Nights and Selena), westerns and listen to music. Not just any music...but old Motown, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Issac Hayes, Teddy Pendergrass, and Selena just to name a few. She was also a walking book of knowledge. If you are ever on Jeopardy and needed someone to call, call her. She always knew the answer. Mary Ellen also loved to shop...at one point, we're sure she was QVC and HSN main customer. I'm confident, they will also miss her.
Left to cherish her beautiful memories are her daughters Rochelle Campbell, Jewel (Tony) Rupp, Donita Billingsley (Frelon); Grand Children - Ashton Smith, Jerel (Erica) Billingsley, Maya Billingsley, Hunterre Rupp, Clason Rupp, Jadon Rupp and Noah Rupp; Great Grand Children - Chace Smith, Harlei Billingsley, Jerel Billingsley Jr, J'hair Billingsley and Bella Billingsley; Sisters - Earnestine Hamilton and Valda King as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother Susie Turner; Aunt and Uncle - Jewel and Dan Jordan; Mother and Father - Pauline Smith and Hurley Thompson; Sisters and Brother-in-law - Betty (Charles) Richie, Regina Smith and Donald Hamilton and a host of other relatives and friends that welcomed her in heaven with open arms.
Momma you touched so many lives and will be sorely missed. In time, we will be alright because we've got each other. It's not goodbye, it's until we see you again in Heaven. Love you ALWAYS!
- Susie, Jewel and Donita
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