Lou Ella (Winfrey) Willis

Lou Ella was born April 6, 1942 to the late Herbert Sr. and Irene Winfrey.

Lou Ella joined Hills Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She later became a member of Galilee Church of God in Christ where she served until 2019 when joining Bible Way Outreach Center under the leadership of her daughter. She faithfully served on the Mission Board and was the Church Mother.

Lou Ella was educated at Sam Houston High School with the class of 1961. She received her CNA license in 1982 but her greatest passion was cooking Sunday dinner for family and friends and caring for children as she did for many years. Lou Ella was very well known for her amazing talent in floral design and wedding decorating skills. She was truly a giver and with a soft voice and an infectious smile made her loved by so many.

Lou Ella is proceeded in death by her husband, Charles of 61 years; brothers: Herbert Winfrey Jr. and Fredrick Winfrey; sisters: Ruby Niblett, Ola Mae Crooks, Pearlie Mae Issac and Dorothy Crooks.

Lou Ella leaves to cherish her memory, sons: Gregory Willis; of Huntsville, Tx. and Michael Willis; of Houston, Tx.; daughter: Pastor Sophia Willis; of Huntsville, Tx.; grandchildren Tycoma, Shiree and Randy Willis, Christopher O’Bryant and Jasmine Davis; adopted granddaughter: Connie Dickey; great-grandchildren: Randy Jr., Tyran, Jordan, Raena and Tyla Willis, Italy O’Bryant, Christopher Smith and Kirsten Gambrell; great-great grandchildren: Kyng Booker-Willis, Kacey Willis and Kyle Jones; brother, Charles Winfrey (Mary Ann); of Houston, Tx.; sisters Mary Hall and Gladys Oliphant; both of Huntsville, Tx.;  brother in-law, Thomas Willis (Mary); sister in-laws: Mary Merchant and Espanola Turner; both of Houston, Tx.; very special friends: Linda Azon, Gladys Agnew, Mary Willis, Nettie Crooks, Marie Harley, Betty Smither and Shirley Rolling; extended family: Mary and John Carden, Richard, Martha, and Bob Wagstaff and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

**We are asking that all family and friends that will be in attendance to respect the CDC guidelines for social distancing and face coverings. **