Ella B. Yancy by Jerry Madison Harrison

Life’s Reflections

Ella B. Yancy was born July 24, 1926, in Hollywood, Mississippi (Tunica County) to the union of the late Vastie and Roscoe Dover. Ella’s faith was very strong, and she proclaimed Christ as her savior at an early age at Lane Chapel C.M.E. Church.

Ella endured being raised in the rural area of Tunica County, Mississippi, also known as “Down in the Delta,” with two older and four younger siblings, of whom two died during her childhood years. Ella graduated from the school that is now known as Rosa Fort High School, completing 8th grade, which was the highest school requirement during that period. Ella learned how to garden, sew, bake, cook, and also learned countless life skills that molded her into the woman she became.

Her family escaped the poverty-stricken area of Tunica, Mississippi, to what was probably considered rich soil to blacks in those days, to the 1st African American-built community (Orange Mound, Tennessee), in which her family lived in a house on Park Ave., which is currently Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church’s Educational Building site.

Ella joined Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church under the leadership of Reverend F. M. Dickey, in which she remained a faithful member for over 65 years. While attending Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church, Ella always used the stairs instead of utilizing the elevator because she stated it was a way for her to acquire exercise. Ella worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Jon A. Simpson for 30 years, in which she loved her job so much, she did not retire until the age of 72 and only retired because the carline (bus) didn’t go to Germantown, Tennessee, which was where Dr. Simpson’s new office was located, which was a big difference from Parkway Village in terms of mileage. Ella never learned to drive and has stated in the past she wouldn’t dare do it now, but she was able to get wherever she needed and wanted to go. She would always find a ride to church, the doctor and weekly trips to the bank, (in which this was the one place no one was allowed to go in with her), Fred’s Dollar Store and Superlo Foods. Her last sibling departed this life 10 years ago, and not only did it leave a void in her heart, but it also left an empty seat on the row behind her where she was usually seated on Sundays at church.

Ella was married in 1967 to the late Robert Yancy, and they reared two sons, Jerry Dover, Sr. (deceased) and Carlester Dover, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories; son, Carlester Dover, Jr.; grand-daughter, Marlisa Dover; granddaughter, Katrina Dover; grand-son, Jerry Dover, Jr. (JD) all of Memphis, Tennessee; four greatgrandchildren; six great-great grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. There were a niece and nephew that were extra special, due to Ella’s dual role of great aunt and godmother to Kimberly Hunt Harris and Aaron Askew.

Affectionately called “Momma, Grandma Ella, Aunt Bee, Momin or Lil Sister, Ella Yancy will be missed immensely.

Order of Celebration

Friday, October 24, 2025 12:00 Noon

Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church 2490 Park Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Pastor Kenneth Thomas, Pastor

Rev. Tracy Jackson, Presiding Elder Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr., Presiding Prelate

Prelude

Processional.........................................................................................The Family of Mrs. Ella B. Yancy

“Oh Lord I Want You To Help Me”

Musical Selection...........................................................................................................Barbara Bowen

Affirmation of Faith Prayer........................................................................................................................Rev. Arnold Joyner

Scripture Readings:

Old Testament..............................................................................................Rev. Lutricia Gentry

Gloria Patri

New Testament.................................................................................................Rev. Eddie Gentry

Musical Selection..................................................................................................................Will Graves

Expressions of Love

(Respectfully, Two Mintues Please)

Wanda Govan - Church Member

Audrey Little - Family/Friend

Tony Williams - Family (Nephew)

Proclamations & Resolutions.........................................................Councilwoman Jana S. Washington

Musical Selection.....................................................................................................Bryant Swearengen

Words of Comfort.......................................................................................................Rev. Victor Bowen

Acknowledgements...............................................................................................Kimberly Hunt Harris

Reading of Obituary............................................................................................................Read Silently “Sweet Sweet Spirit”

Words of Encouragement.........................................................................................Rev. Willie Ward, Jr.

Musical Selection.....................................................................................Jana Swearengen Washington

Eulogy...................................................................................................................Rev. Kenneth Thomas

Recessional............................................................................................................... “I’m Going Away”

“If Roses Grow in Heaven”

If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my Mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.

Love,

oving

LTributes

Baby Brother (Carlester Dover, Jr.)

“Grandma’s Garden”

Our grandma kept a garden, A garden of the heart; She planted all the good things, That gave our lives their start. She turned us to the sunshine, And encouraged us to dream. She helped us learn and grow, To be the best we could be.

Her laughter was a source of joy, Her works were warm and wise. There was a kindness and compassion To be found in her embrace.

Her love is a guiding light, Though we can’t see her here. We see her in the clouds above, And in every tear.

We miss you, Grandma, every day, But we’ll hold you close in our hearts. Thank you for the love you gave, A love that never departs.

Love, Lisa, Trina & JD (Jerry Dover, Jr.)

“Garden

of Delight”

You were our garden of delight, A place of warmth and gentle light. Your stories were the seeds you sowed, In every heart, your love has grown. We were your blossoms, tended with care, A love as pure as the fresh morning air. You watered us with wisdom deep, And taught us promises to keep. The garden now feels quiet and still, But your legacy blooms upon this hill. For in each memory, a flower we find, A vibrant token of your kind mind. Though we miss your smile, your gentle touch, The joy you gave us meant so much. We’ll honor your life in all we do, The nieces and nephews who cherish you.

Love, Nieces and Nephews

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family of Ella B. Yancy would like to thank you for your visits, phone calls, prayers, and various acts of kindness shown to us during our time of grief. We are grateful for Ella’s richness of life, longevity, and the kindness of her heart. Though we grieve, we also celebrate a life lived fully and authentically for 99 years. Ella filled our days with laughter, wisdom, and warmth. We are forever thankful, and please keep us in your prayers. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the hospital staff at Methodist Hospital, Methodist Alliance Hospice Care and her caregiver and niece, Joyce Dover.

~The Family