Ella (Williams) Mays

Mrs. Ella Norma Williams Mays passed away at her home in Riverdale, Georgia, on October 16, 2023. She was born to Professor Nathan E. Williams and Arsula Williams on December 29, 1926 in Swainsboro, Georgia. Mrs. Mays was educated in the public school system in Emanuel County and graduated in 1942 from Swainsboro Industrial High School. She attended Tuskegee Institute where she earned a B.S. in Home Economics/Education in 1947. After graduating, she taught for the Georgia Public School System and was inspired to further her education. Mrs. Mays in 1952, she earned a Masters in Elementary Education. She taught at Carver Elementary in Charleston, South Carolina before moving to Leesburg, Ga. She taught in Americus, Ga at Eastview Elementary, Cherokee Elementary, and Sarah-Cobbs Elementary. She married Mr. Robert Mays and to their union one son was born Robert Nathan Mays. They moved around alot until settling down in Smithville, Ga. She was a graceful presence to be in anyone's life. She retired in 1990 after being an Educator for more than 42 years. She came from a queue of avid educators, Mrs. Mays joined the Church of God at an early age and attended Martin St. Church of God, where she worked in many departments as the church membership grew. She was very active on the church board. With the help of her sister and several church members help expand into a new building that seated nearly one thousand people. The one thing she missed the most was her church family. Ella was an incredibly kind and generous person. She loved her family and was always there when they needed her. Even though Ella was a woman of many words, anyone in the company knew the compassion she had for her family, siblings, neighbors, and anyone who was going through hard times. She gave her time and kindness selflessly. Her kindness immediately made anyone feel valued by someone who truly cared. She had a heart of gold for anyone. She had a way with words that was clear yet caring and won over anyone. She enjoyed cooking with her grandchildren, especially baking, and making beans and macaroni salad. She loved sewing and reading; it was a few of her favorite hobbies. Ella was an avid educator who taught individual growth and development by saying the surroundings for the student ( child or adult ) is important. Each student has their own learning styles and you help them with their individual needs. She would say you need to communicate, listen, and have patience and passion. She would say you have to keep the student engaged. She would challenge the student to figure it out. Education is a part of your life everyday. You will always learn, only if you open up and allow yourself to get a little something everyday. Mrs. Mays was preceded in death by: her father, Professor Nathan F. Williams; mother, Arsula Williams; husband,Robert Mays; sister, Maurice Leora Williams Heard, and brothers, Pleasant Williams and Newell E. Williams. Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and He will repay the lender. ( Proverbs 19:17 ) She is survived by: son, Robert Nathan Mays(Tracy Pope) Riverdale Ga; daughter in-law; Tammy Burton-Mays Americus Ga, grandchildren, JaHara Mays, JaKara Mays, Zari Mays of Americus, Ga., ,Jody Jenkins, Daniel McFadden, Brenda McFadden, Linda Cobb, Lizzie Leverson, Diane Harley, and Ronnie Brown, other nieces, nephewa, other relatives, and sorrowing friends.

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