Ella Louise Kelley Merritt was born on November 8, 1950, to the late Harold Wesley Kelley Sr., and the late Mable Ann Howard Kelley in Paducah, KY. She married the late Melvin Wade Merritt, Sr., from which union was born three children, Christopher, Marika (Chele), and Michael.
“Little Sister” as she was affectionately known to her family and friends was introduced to the church and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior at a young age, being strongly influenced by her paternal grandmother, Rev. Mollie Bell Whittemore. Ella was a 1968 graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School in 1968, and after meeting and marrying her late ex-husband, she moved to Washington DC where she was employed as a fingerprint technician with the FBI. Upon her return to her hometown of Paducah she worked at several jobs, including the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah before becoming a bus monitor for the Paducah Public School System. Through her hard work, determination, and love of childen, Ella gained her Early Childhood Development Certificate and became a Certified Teacher's Aide working specifically with special needs students at Paducah Head Start. After 11 years in that position, Ella retired in 2021. Ella was a dedicated and hard-working member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where she lovingly served as a member of the Usher Board and Superintendent of Sunday School. She also worked with the Children's Ministry.
All who knew “NaNa”, “Ms Ella” or “Little Sister”, loved her dearly. She was rarely at a loss for words and could always make anyone laugh with her witty comebacks and sweet demeanor. She loved to cook, with her signature pasta salad being her most requested dish for any event. Her love of music and dance was well known and always on full display. Ella absolutely danced to the beat of her own drum and her energy was infectious to all who were blessed to have been in her presence.
Ella was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brothers Harold “Fly” Kelley, Sr, Kenneth “Bo Bo” Kelley, Michael “Chinchbug” Johnson, and Arthur Henry, and longtime love of her life Albert Menefee.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, one brother Keith Kelley of Paducah, son, Christopher (Charmaine) Merritt of Raeford, NC, daughter Marika (Chele) Merritt of Paducah, son Michael (Charise) Merritt of Paducah, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, an Uncle Earcie Brake, Sr. of Georgia, her beloved dog TuTu and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Michael Wade officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Family will receive friends Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
