Oberlin-Celebration of Life services honoring Ella Dee Slate, 98, will be held at 11 o’clock am on Saturday morning, April 25, 2026, at Progressive Church of God in Christ in Oberlin. Superintendent Dallas Thomas will officiate. Ella will be laid to rest at St. John Cemetery in Oberlin immediately following her services.

    Ella’s family will receive friends and visitors at Progressive Church of God in Christ on Saturday morning, April 25, 2026, from 9 o’clock am until time of service. All of Ella’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oberlin.

    Ella Dee was born on Saturday, June 26, 1927, in Oberlin, LA. to the union of William and Lena (Verette) Berry and was one of six children born of this union. She graduated from Oberlin High School with her G.E.D. and spent 36 years working in the food service department at Oberlin High School, where she would eventually retire. Ella was a loving and devoted wife to husband, Piolet Bushnell and Wilmer Slate. She was a woman of strong faith and a dedicated church goer. Ella loved the Lord with all her heart and faithfully served in many church offices. Her life reflected her strong faith, quiet strength, and caring spirit. Ella was a selfless person and will be forever missed and unconditionally loved by all who knew her.

    Those left to cherish Ella’s memory include her three daughters, Barbara “Bobbie” Lee and husband Willie Sr., Elaine “Nanny” Clark, and Patricnella “Pat” Taylor and husband Paul all of Oberlin; her son, Phillip Slate of Oberlin; one sister, Mildred Garner of Oberlin; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

    Ella is preceded in death by her parents, William, and Lena Berry; one son, Willard Slate; two brothers, Wilbert, and Charlie Berry, and two sisters, Jessie Lee Berry and Emma Berry Blackston.

    Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Ella’s family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home.