Ella Jean Powell

Life Reflections Ella Jean Tyus-Powell was born December 24, 1944 in Matthews, Missouri to the late Thomas Tyus, Sr. and Virginia Pegues Tyus. Ella was the fifth of fifteen children, several of her siblings preceded her in death. Evertrue Pegues, Dorothy Collier, Mattie Sue Holland, Willie Tyus, Dale Tyus, and Lou Alice Tyus. Ella married David Marshall (Buddy), a widower with eight children, from that union three additional child-ren were born. Buddy, her son Antonio Tyus Powell and several of her stepchildren preceded her in death. Ella was baptized and confessed her life to Christ at an early age. She graduated Bell City High School and later studied Business Management at Metropolitan Community College in St. Paul MN. Earlier in life, Ella worked in the nursing field at St. Louis County Hospital. She moved to St. Paul, MN in 1980. While in Minnesota, she held several positions in logistics and administration at major corporations. Ella decided to leave her corporate position to start The Potter's House Daycare Center; the first 24-hour daycare facility in St. Paul, MN. She was an outstanding business entrepreneur and leader for over 17 years. Ella retired in 2018 and moved back to St. Louis, MO. Most recently she started Ms. Ella's Bakery, a home based business. She also worked for the St. Louis Public School District. Ella was known for her love of family and that beautiful and contagious smile that brightened up the room. She was loved by her family, friends, community and everyone graced by her presence. Ella was a devout Christian and loved serving God. She was a Praise and Worship Leader for many years at faith Deliverance Holiness Church in Minneapolis, MN. She was currently a member of Grace New Covenant Church in St. Louis, MO. Ella was always willing to lend a helping hand at church and to any one in need. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Ella had the biggest heart filled with bottomless love. She will truly be missed! Ella leaves to cherish; two sons: Thomas Mario Powell of St. Louis, MO and Derrick DeAndre Powell of St. Paul, MN; five stepsons, Marvin Powell of St. Louis, MO, Tyrone Powell of Denver, CO, Marcus Powell (Patricia) of New Albany, IN, Marcell Powell of Minneapolis, MN and Maurice Powell of St. Paul, MN. Ella also leaves 24 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; four brothers and three sisters, Billy Tyus (Louise) of Twenty-Nine Palms, CA, Luther Tyus (Vera) of St. Louis, MO, Mattie McKinney (Larry) of Mount Vernon, IL, Charles Tyus (Valarie) of Mount Juliet, TN, Thomas J. Tyus (Patricia) of Richmond, VA, Dr. Marilyn Delmont Eckenfels (Paul) of Henderson, NV, Linda Anthony (Earl) of St. Louis, MO and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. IntermentSt. Peters Cemetery2101 Lucas Hunt Rd.Saint Louis, MO 63121 . Visitation Grace New Covenant Church Thursday, October 17, 2019 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM 711 Chambers RdRiverview, Missouri 63137 Directions Funeral Service Grace New Covenant Church Thursday, October 17, 2019 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 711 Chambers RdRiverview, Missouri 63137 Directions