The Life Story of Deola Kindrick Ellis

 

On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Deola Kindrick Ellis, (known as Dee Dee, Mama, Anadee), a loving wife, stepmother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin, and friend transitioned from this life into God’s presence at the age of 78.

Dee was born on October 11, 1946, in Edgard, Louisiana to Wilhelmine and Douglas Kindrick. Dee graduated from Second Ward High in 1964. Upon graduation she attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s plus 30 in Education. Dee lived in Laplace, Louisiana with her loving husband Lonnie.

Dee loved her Southern Jaguars, traveling with Mayta Samuel, (whom she called Mom Boot) and Shelia Baloney, (whom she called Say-La-V) to as many Jaguar football games as they could.

Deola had a profound love for service to her churches, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Edgard, Louisiana and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church of Reserve, Louisiana. She served as a church lector and chairperson of the assistant principal and SJBCC 4th of July Celebration / Fundraiser. She was a faithful member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #66 for fifty-four (54) years. She was an original member of the KPCLA Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace, Father John A McShane Chapter #23 and served in the positions of Navigator, Captain and Scribe. During her membership in KPCLA Our Lady of Perpetual Help Court #66, Lady Ellis served as Grand Lady, Vice Grand Lady, Financial Secretary and Recording Secretary. She was a member of the Southeast Central Committee District II, where she served as an Area Deputy. Her love for St. Peter Claver took her on a Pilgrimage to Cartagena, Colombia, the home of the Knights of Peter Claver Patron Saint. Deola also received the Order of St. Louis Medal.

Deola’s career was spent as a school teacher, librarian and Assistant Principal for the St. John Parish School System. She also served as a board member on the St. John Parish Self Help Credit Union. In the community, Deola was a member of the St. John Retired Teachers Association and Wantu Wazuri Civic Association.

Dee leaves to cherish her precious memories with her, husband of 43 years, Lonnie Ellis, Sr., her stepchildren, Lonnie, Jr., Lance (Crystal), Lori and LaMar Ellis. Sisters Illha, Glynn and Laura Kindrick, Diane Mitchel, Wilhelmine Bailey of Kansas City, Kansas, and Debra Gordon; Brothers Nicholas, Sr. (Gloria), Verdell (Carol) and Jimmy Kindrick. Sisters-in-law Karen Duhe, Brenda, and Delores Cola. Brothers-in-law Clayton Poche, Sr. and Clifford Bailey, Jr.; Nine (9) Step grandchildren and Five (5) Step great grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memories with her best friend Josephine Jackson (Pop) whom she called my NU-NU; Jaguar buddies Mayta Samuel and Shelia Baloney; Godchildren John Julien, Jr. and Muriel Hurtley, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousin, other relatives and friends.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Wilhelmine Kindrick, brother, Robert Kindrick and sisters, Mary K. Bailey and Barbara Kindrick; father-in-law Elmo Ellis and mother-in-law Evelyn Ellis; Brothers-in-law, Isaac Mitchell, Jr., Eddie Bailey Sr., Larry Gordon, Donald, Gabriel, Ronnie and Tommy Cola, Jules Duhe and Lyle Ellis; Sisters-in-law Alfreda Kindrick, Evelyn Carrol and Pricilla Poche; daughter-in-law Gaynell  Ellis and nephew Terrell Kindrick.

Dee,

Not a day goes by that we don’t think of you. Our hearts ache, but we carry your love and memories with us every day. You touched so many lives in ways words cannot fully express. Even though you’re no longer with us, your spirit remains in everything we do. Your laughter, kindness and warmth are forever in our hearts. Your love will continue to guide us and gives us strength, as we find comfort in knowing that you are at peace.

We’ll keep you in our hearts always, and we know you’re watching over us. Until we meet again, rest in peace.

Love, Family and Friends

Relatives and friends of the family, Priest and Parishioners of St. John the Baptist Catholic church, Our Lady of the Grace Catholic church and all neighboring churches as well as employees of St. John the Baptist School Board, employees St. John the Baptist Parish Library and employees of Marathon Oil Company  are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2361 Hwy 18, Edgard, LA 70049.  Fr. Rob Morgia-Celebrant and Rev. Roderick J.D. Coats S. S. J., Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Catholic church, Reserve, LA-Concelebrant. Visitation 8:00am until the time of funeral at the above-named church. Interment St. John the Baptist Catholic Mausoleum, Edgard, LA. Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919. “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission.”  There will also be a visitation from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 772 LA-44, Reserve, LA 70084.