Ms. Ella M. Canady

Ella Mae (Henderson) Canady was born May 12, 1931, to Essie (Scott) and George Henderson in Ashdown, Arkansas. Ella Mae was the youngest of four children. Her parents and brothers, Major, Jimmie and Moses Henderson preceded her in death. Ella Mae's mother died while she was young, and she was raised by Major and Gertha Mae Henderson with her niece, Berdie Williamson and nephews, Clarence and Andrew Henderson who preceded her in death. On August 18, 1957, she married Elmo Canady, he passed on November 6, 1998. She retired from the St. Luke’s Health system in 1994, after 35 years of service, where she supported the nursing education department. Ella Mae joined the Eighth Street Baptist Church in 1947 and was a devoted participant in the following ministries, Sunday School, Mission, Music and Drama, the Senior's ministry, “ The Sensational Seniors”, Willa Gill food kitchen service and she was a participant in the Transportation ministry, via her husband's devotion to assisting the Church by driving the church van. She and Deacon Elmo Canady traveled to many, many regional and national conventions assisting all the auxiliaries of the Church. She was a faithful member until her health would no longer allow her to attend. For many years, she was a faithful participant in the Scripture Shower (under the direction of Elder Freddie Bell) and known throughout the region for her thoughtful scriptures of encouragement and faith. She leaves a nephew, James (Chris) Foster, nieces, Emma Walls and Nydia Henderson grand nieces, Cynthia Green, Tameka (Sturgiss) Burns, Lynda Henderson, Nefateria Foster, and Eryka Seimona Casper, grand nephews, Darryl Williamson , Rodney Henderson, Jahmil (Petya) Foster, Anthony Henderson and Vincent (Denise) Henderson and many relatives to mourn her passing and celebrate her longevity. In the 1990's, she adopted the Criswells, Gordon (Evelyn), Joshua and Arthurine as her chosen children. The family extends special thanks and deepest gratitude to Freddie Thomas, Lila Jordan and Traci Harris for their treasured support which allowed her independent living until her 94th year. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025. 11:00am at Eighth Street Baptist Church. Interment Chapel Hill Cemetery.. Visitation from 10:00am-11:00am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel.

Ms. Ella M. Canady

May 12, 1931 - September 29, 2025