Ms. Ella Margaret Scales

Ms. Ella M. Scales was born December 23, 1946, to the union of Charles and Myrtle Benson in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the youngest of five children. 

Ms. Ella was a member of The Christian Life Center, under the leadership of Pastor Arbie Peterson. 

Ms. Ella had a heart as big as gold. She thrived on giving to others. She loved to cook for any and every occasion. She shared whatever she had with anyone who did not have.

Ms. Ella was a confidante and counselor to many. She was a true secret keeper. If you ever told her a secret, you did not have to worry about her sharing it with anyone, because she would either forget it, or if she did tell it, she would tell it wrong, so either way, no one would ever find out.

Ms. Ella owned her own business, Ella’s Lounge & Restaurant, for many years, and was later employed by Elaine Steven’s Beauty College, where she enjoyed working in the dispensary and interacting with the students.

Ms. Ella taught Sunday School in her early years at Lafayette Park Baptist Church. She was especially proud to have two of her daughters (Nona and Gwen) serve as ordained ministers.

Preceding her in death, one son, Michael Scales, one granddaughter, Marquia Lewis, one great-grandson, Javion Poindexter, one sister, Catherine Turner, and two brothers, Charles and Maurice Benson. She leaves to cherish her memory: her three daughters, Nona Thomas, Catherine Scales, and Gwendolyn Doss; one goddaughter, Toni Speed; one brother, Robert Benson (Pam); one grandson, Sean; four granddaughters, Tonyetta, Jeanell, Nicole, and Brittany; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; her friends at Meadow Glen Apartments; and her best friend of over 60 years, Vivine Hall.