Ella Mae

The story of Ella Mae began in a small town in Illinois. Rooted in the values of her community, she pursued higher education at Illinois State University (ISU), where she prepared for a career in teaching.

Central to Ella Mae’s life was her thirty-five-year marriage, a union built on mutual support and shared goals. Meeting when they were both young teachers, a friendship blossomed into a relationship. They married and started a family. Throughout their years together, they both were pillars of their community working as teachers and both heavily involved in the Lions Club. Ella Mae fondly remembers cheering on teams of students she taught and her husband coached.

Ella Mae’s journey as an educator was marked by both resilience and excellence. Specializing in Mathematics and Home Economics, she faced early professional hurdles due to the restrictive hiring practices of the time. Despite the school district’s desire for a Home Economics teacher, she was initially denied a position because she was pregnant. Her husband, also an educator, was hired as a teacher and coach, but Ella Mae’s path required her to navigate these systemic barriers.

However, her talent could not be overlooked. She eventually became the "number one" substitute teacher for both the high school and middle school levels, with administrators frequently vying for her expertise. Her impact was most profound in her work with homebound students. She taught young pregnant women who were unable to attend traditional classes, ensuring that every single one of them reached the milestone of graduation. Her dedication extended to all who needed it, including a paralyzed student and even her own son when he was sidelined by a shot-put injury.

Her husband Dee was a dedicated member of the Lions Club. When the club began accepting women, Ella Mae made history as the first woman to join their community’s Lion Club branch. Her leadership was so highly regarded that she was elected Governor of the branch only two years later. In a testament to her strength of character, she stepped into this demanding leadership role just two days after the passing of her beloved husband, committed to continuing their shared legacy of service.

Above all her professional and community achievements, Ella Mae’s greatest pride remained her family. Her devotion as a mother and educator was reflected in the extraordinary success of her three children, all of whom achieved the high honor of being named valedictorian. Her life stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of education, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.

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