Bereavement and Homegoing

Ella was blessed with the gift of life on April 5, 1940, in Byhalia, Mississippi. She was born to the late Henry Lee and Dessie Martin. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, who departed this life at the blessed age of eighty-five. Born with a heart full of kindness and a spirit that embraced everyone she met. Ella dedicated her life to her family and her community. She was the cornerstone of five generations, always offering wisdom, comfort, and unwavering support. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. Ella’s legacy is carried on by her devoted children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply and who will continue to be guided by her example of grace, strength, and compassion. Ella’s life was a testament to strength, grace, and unconditional love. As a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she was a proud matriarch of a loving family that spans five generations – she built a legacy rooted in faith, resilience, and family unity. She was more than the matriarch; she was the guiding light, the voice of wisdom, and the foundation upon which those generations stood. She will be remembered for her gentle smile, her generous heart, and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.

Her home was a haven where traditions were cherished, stories were shared, and everyone felt welcome. Ella had a remarkable ability to make each person feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. She led her family not with force, but with quiet strength, fierce loyalty, and a love that knew no bounds.

Through life’s challenges and triumphs, Ella remained steadfast — a calming presence, a listening ear, and a source of unwavering support. She taught by example: how to persevere with dignity, how to love with a full heart, and how to leave the world better through acts of kindness, both big and small.

This celebration of her remarkable life is a place of joy where family and friends gather to remember, rejoice, and reflect on the life of a truly extraordinary woman.

Ella became a devoted member of her home church at an early age, Greater Galatians Baptist Church, where she served as a proud member of the Usher Board for many years. Later in life, she was accepted into the growing family of The Church Ministries. Ella lived her life anchored in faith. Her walk with the Lord was steady and sincere, and her trust in God’s promises guided every step she took. She served with joy, prayed with power, and encouraged others through her words and actions. Her family will forever be grateful for the legacy she leaves – a heritage rooted in Christ. On September 13, 1961, she married her life-long partner, Sylvester Richard Mallett, of Memphis, Tennessee. Together, they made a home and began building a legacy. Between their union, six children were raised: three sons and three daughters.

She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Clay Martin, and mother, Dessie Myers Martin. She was the last surviving sibling of her family: Martha L. Campbell, Robert Martin, Sr., Arthur Lee Martin, “M.T.” Martin, William Martin, Alice White, Charlie Martin, Henry Martin, Jr., Eddie Martin, Ruby Moore, Andrew Martin, and Johnny Martin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester Richard Mallett, and two sons, Ronald Mallett and Richard Markham Mallett (Pamela).

She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Reginald Mallett (Renee), Rosalyn Mallett (Milton), Robin Mallett, and ReNita Mallett; a godson, David Parker; four treasured nieces who surrounded her with love, Belinda Campbell, Anita Moore, Jackara Jones and Jacqueline Martin; eleven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm at R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38111. Celebration of Life Funeral will be on Friday May 9, 2025 at 12:00noon at The Church Ministries 1219 Finley Rd, Memphis, TN 38116.

Burial will take place at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125.

Greetings Metropolitan Family,

Please keep Mr. and Mrs. Reginald and Renee Mallett and Family lifted in your prayers in the passing of Reginald’s mother, Mrs. Ella B. Mallett of Memphis, TN.

Final arrangements for Mrs. Ella B. Mallett:

Friday, May 9, 2025

The Church Ministries

1219 Finley Road

Memphis, TN 38116

(901) 881-6768

Homegoing Service: 11:00 a.m.

Services Entrusted to:

R. S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

2944 Walnut Grove Road

Memphis, TN 38116

(901) 235-8169