Ella Mae Fergerson

Racine – Embraced by the love of her family, Ella Mae Fergerson, 70, passed away in her home on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. She was born in Senatobia, Mississippi on August 21, 1940, daughter of the late George W. Powell, Sr. and Katherine Cathey. She was married on March 17, 1964, to Booker T. Fergerson and had been a Racine resident for nearly 40 years.

Ella Mae retired in 1999 from the Southern Wisconsin Center where she was a Residence Care Technician for more than 30 years. Ella Mae was a loving and caring lady who always looked for ways to help others. She loved to travel, enjoyed taking cruises, and visiting relatives in Memphis. Her most treasured time was that spent with her family and friends. She was a proud and active member of Second Missionary Baptist Church, having served on the Nurses Board, Kitchen committee, and United Ushers board. For many years, she was a devoted voting poll volunteer at McKinley School.  She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend that will be missed.

Ella is survived by her children, Nadolyn, Gerald, Reginald, and Courtney Fergerson all of Racine; grandchildren, Darryl DeWayne Lee of Memphis, Tennessee, Sierra Fergerson of Carbondale, Illinois, Danielle and Cameron Townsend both of Racine; 4 great grandchildren; sisters, Josephine, Rose Marie, and Beverly Powell, Shirley (Earnest) Whitmore, Phyliss (Ocie) Pollison, Celestine Carpenter ; and brothers, Louis (Cortella) Carter, George Powell Jr ; all from Memphis TN; sister Carolyn and  brother Jerry Powell from Oceanside, CA as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special friends Ora Gray, Joyce and Jerry Wadlington , Juanita Flanagan and many other close friends and relatives to many to mention. Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Booker T. Fergerson; her son, Dwayne Fergerson, Mother Katherine Cathey, Mother in law Alma Farrow, and sister Dorthy Powell;

Homegoing services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 19, 2011, at the Second Missionary Baptist Church, 1250 Lathrop Avenue, with Rev. J. Mark Freeman officiating.  Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. There will be visitation held in the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5pm until 7pm and in the church on Friday beginning at 10 am.  Ella’s children extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to family members and friends, the members of Second Missionary Baptist Church, the staff at All Saints Hospital, and the staff of Hospice Alliance, Inc. for your caring deeds, comfort, and support during this most difficult time.

“Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as I were beside you there.” 

The Fergerson Family has selected flowers from Nudi's Floral Shop. You can call Nudi's at 262-694-6833 to order a coordinating floral arrangement.