Ellen “Ella” C. Stephenson, age 108, of Battle Creek, MI, died Thursday, October 18, 2018 in Bronson Battle Creek where she had been hospitalized for several days.
She was born January 23, 1910 in St. Mary's, GA the daughter of Saul Jordan and Lucy (Williams) Jordan.
She married Willie Stephenson in 1941; he passed away June 27, 1991.
She is survived by: two daughters: Frances Marie Rogers of Chicago, Illinois; Jacklyn L. Washington of Aurora, Colorado; two sons: Alvin E. (Tammy) Stephenson of Battle Creek, MI; Don Stephenson of Battle Creek, MI; ten grandchildren: Terrance Young, Alvin Stephenson, II; Roderick Carson, Winston Stephenson, Alexa Stephenson, Kanika Wilkerson, N’Namdi Washington, Nanyamka Washington, Heather Robbins, Safari Brooks, and Todd Billings; thirteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Willie Stephenson (died June 27, 1991); mother: Lucy Williams died 1929; father: Saul Jordan; two daughters: Christine A. Rogers in Feb. 2005, Mary Rogers died Sept 18, 1993; son: Willie Stephenson, Jr. died Dec. 2005; her grandson: Devin Stephenson; three sisters: Ann Jordan, Nora Burns in 1999; and Flaury Jordan; six brothers: Albert Jordan; Abraham Jordan; Andrew Jordan; Sam Jordan; Saul Jordan; and Daniel Jordan.

Ellen "Ella" was born in St. May's Georgia,, and attended Peck High School in Fernandina Beach, FL. She worked cleaning houses and baby-sitting while in Florida. She moved to Battle Creek in August of 1952 and worked in nursing homes for the American Legion for 5-6 years; she worked for 10 years in housekeeping for Federal Home Life Insurance, retiring in 1975. Afterwards, she worked for Al’s Café downtown Battle Creek for five years. Ella was a member of Washington Heights Senior Center and served as the secretary for Senior Center Club for a number of years. She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. She liked traveling, working on arts and crafts and when younger sewing, knitting and working in her garden. She loved baking and cooking especially for her family.
Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service on Friday, October 26, 2018 where the family will be present 4:00 until 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, October 27, 2018 in the Bachman Funeral Chapel The Reverend Brian Coleman officiating. Burial will follow at the Hicks Cemetery in Pennfield Township, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com