Ella Malisa ("Ella Bella") Rice

Ella Malisa Rice

"Ella Bella"

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Ella Malisa (Patterson) Rice was born on September 5, 1954, in Jackson, AL. She is the daughter of Frank Patterson, Sr. and Mable Robinson Patterson. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Pin Chapel Baptist Church in Grove Hill, AL. Ella later united with an was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist #2 Church in Monroeville, , where she loved to sing praises unto God. Her voice always brightened up morning worship. Two of her favorite songs to sing were: “Going Up Yonder” and “What God Has For Me”.

She attended Clarke County School in Grove Hill and furthered her education at Patrick Henry Junior College (ASCC) in Monroeville. She served in the United States Army from January 31, 1974 until September 14, 1976, where she was active duty in the Peacetime and Vietnam Eras. A proud Veteran, she received an Honorable Discharge and returned home. Ella continued her education at the University of Phoenix, earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Management. During her lifetime, Ella was employed with the Monroe County Board of Education, Alabama River Pulp and Huntsville City Schools.

Ella, affectionately answered to “Malisa”. She loved her family and was especially close to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed singing, making arts and crafts, and capturing memories through videography and photography, with her family and friends. On April 20, 2022, the gates of Heaven opened and she was reunited with her parents: Frank and Mabel Patterson, Sr. and her siblings: Walter, Jeremiah, Johnny, Lewis and Frank, Jr. Oh, how they all rejoiced when they wrapped their arms around her.

Ella is survived by two loving children: Tracy (Kendrick) Ruffin of Monroeville, AL , and George Jones, III of Fresno, CA. There is a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Ella Bella”: TraLisa LaShon (Carlton) of Monroeville; Celby LaChon, of Monroeville, AL, Alyria Sharquez of Monroeville, AL, Carliee Marionna of Monroeville, AL, G'niya Alaysia of Mobile, AL, Chiloh Ella of Monroeville, AL and JaKieren Montgomery of Beatrice, AL. In addition to her children and grandchildren, her memory will live on in her siblings: Arthur (Tracy) Patterson of Biloxi, MS, Arcola Williams of Thomasville, AL and Creola Wesley of Grove Hill, AL; one niece, Coretta Patterson, one uncle: Lester (Nonie) Robinson and one aunt: Marvaline Robinson; and two sisters-in-law: Lela Patterson and Kim Patterson, who was dear to her heart; a host nieces, nephews, other loved relatives and many, many devoted friends.

Ella blessed us with her beautiful smile an voice for almost 68 years. She prepared herself to be with God, and now she has “Gone Up’a Yonder” to be with Him. She has received her healing, and now she is smiling and resting in His arms. Praise God for the Victory!