Ella Mae (Donahue) Nelson

Mother Ella Mae Donahue Nelson was born September 15, 1948 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Dorothy Mae and Winston Donahue, Sr. She was the only girl out of eight children. Ella accepted Christ at an early age and has been a faithful member of Greater Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years; where she served in multiple ministries including: Usher Board, Announcement Secretary, Assistant Sunday School Teacher, Senior and Angelic Choirs, Deaconess, Mothers Board and Greeter.

She and her husband Charles, who affectionately referred to her as "Mookie" have been married for twenty nine years. Ella was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. With the "Home-going " of her mother, she became the matriarch of the family; everyone lovingly referred to her as "Aint" Mae. She and her husband loved to travel and were known for packing their bags and getting away for weeks at a time. Ella and her daughters, who lovingly referred to her as "Mother Dear" spent countless hours together fellowshipping, shopping and traveling.The entire family insisted on having her potato salad and banana pudding for Holiday meals and she was well known for her Pound "Crack" Cake. 

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Winston Donahue, Sr. and grandson Xavier Hobbs. She departed this life on August 7, 2020 at University Hospital surrounded by her family. Ella leaves the following family to cherish her loving memory; husband, Charles Nelson, two daughters, Kimberly Donahue, Antoinette (David) King, two bonus children, Charlette and Wayne, one grandson, Quincy Hobbs, one "god" grandson, Tyheim Bones, six bonus grandchildren, seven brothers; Fred, Winston (Deborah), James (Sharral), Robert, David (PJ), Samuel (Lois), and Morris (Chartrice), one special aunt, Lela Phillips, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Special thank you to Dr. Huffman, the UAMS Oncology and Renal Department and a very special thanks to her Sissy, PJ Donahue.

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