Barbara Samuel Ellis

HER LIFE JOURNEY On March 18, 1944, God blessed the late Goree and Christene Dickey Samuel with a precious baby girl, whom they named Barbara Nell Samuel. She was raised in Huntsville, Texas where she attended Sam Houston High School. Her journey of faith began at an early age. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior uniting with Hills Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where she was under the guidance of Pastor I. P. Hunt. Barbara, (called “Boogie” as she was known by family and friends) began her professional journey at Sam Houston State University, where she was a dedicated employee for 15 years, then furthered her career at Klein Independent School District for 16 years, where she retired. Her great work ethnics and dedication earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Later, upon relocating to Houston, Texas, she united with Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, (her cherished church home) where she was a devoted and faithful member under the leadership of Pastor Terry K. Anderson until her demise. On March 14, 1994, she united in holy matrimony with Moses Ellis. Their love was evident in the simple joy they shared, eating out on Sundays after church, playfully chastising one another, with Barbara emerging victorious every time, as he had her spoiled. She had a passion for cooking, and cleanliness, (keeping an immaculate home). She also had a love for shoes, which began in her childhood and continued throughout her life. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching her favorite soap operas, the Young and the Restless and the Bold and the Beautiful. The Lord called Barbara to eternal rest, Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Leodis “Sam” Gooden and Frank Edward Samuel and one sister, Mary Joyce Samuel. She leaves in God’s care; her husband, Moses Ellis of Houston, Texas, daughters, Toxie Oliphant (Benny) of Huntsville, Texas, Asonja Thomas (Adolph) of San Antonio, Texas, Melita Winfrey of Huntsville, Texas, LaTreal Winfrey of Mont Belvieu, Texas, Chelsea Winfrey-Armstrong (Stanley) of Houston, Texas; son, Talmi “Pete” Winfrey (Melinda) of Huntsville, Texas. Three bonus sons; Jesse Lott (Charlotte), Andrew Ellis (Marilyn) and Moses Ellis, Jr. (Tam) all of Houston, Texas. Sisters; Kathryn Baker of Houston, Texas, Charlotte Short, Linda Samuel, and Brenda Samuel, all of Huntsville, Texas, a favorite sister-in-law; Truly Samuel of Houston, Texas. 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, two devoted friends (Gladys Oliphant and Linda Dickey) and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Barbara’s legacy of faith, love, and dedication will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered. Funeral Services for Barbara Nell Ellis are under the direction of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park Dr., Huntsville, TX 77340. She will lie in state on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the funeral home. Her services will be at Unity of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 336 Watkins St., Huntsville, TX 77320, on Saturday, November 9 at 11:00 AM under the direction of Rev. Philip A. Hagans II, Pastor; Rev. Timothy O’Bryant, Officiant and Pastor Michael Crooks, Eulogist. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Zion Cemetery, 12 Mt. Zion Church Rd., Huntsville, TX 77320 at 1:30 PM and then the family invites you back to the Sam Houston Community Room, 1700 Normal Park Dr., Huntsville, TX 77340 for a repast at 2:30 PM. Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

Barbara Samuel Ellis

March 18, 1944 - October 29, 2024