Ella Mae Benford was born April 13, 1937 to Isabell and Charlie Benford in Selma, Alabama. She transitioned on Friday, August 6, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ella accepted Christ at an early age at Phillips Grove Baptist Church. She received her formal education in Selma, Alabama, graduating from R.B. Hudson High School. She continued her education by attending Nashville Business College in Nashville, Tennessee.
After college, she went on to open up her own restaurant called Ella Mae Café. She enjoyed taking care of others, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Ella was preceded in death by her parents Isabell and Charlie Benford, brothers Robert, Julius (J.B.) and Samuel Lee Benford, sisters Isabell Benford, and daughter Jackie Benford.
She leaves to cherish her memories her sons Larry, Robert, Kerry (Pam), Anthony (Geraldine), Alfred and Gregory Benford, daughters Tracey Benford, Melissa (James) Burns, brothers Otto Benford (Selma, AL), sisters Mary Fleming (Birmingham, AL) Eliza (Robert) Jordan (Louisville, KY) Charlie Mae (Eddy) Robinson (Sardis, AL), Ida Robinson (Bronx, NY), Irmai Monette (Glen Allen, VA) Savannah Benford (Bronx, NY), grandchildren Marquita, Nicole, Derreck, Isaiah, Kerridick, Kerry Jr., Nicholas, Timetra, Kerri, Lerridick, Gregory, Alfred, Janiece, Deterrious, LeShona, Shalezene, 45 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, devoted friends Robert Styles, Shirley Shannon, Bobby Gene Miller, and a host of nephew, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation Friday, August 13, 2021, 12:45-1:00pm at funeral home.
