Ella Bae Meeks

Ella Bea Meeks, affectionately known as “Bea”, was born on January 26, 1936 in Welding, Arkansas to the late Charles and Ruth Macon. Ella was the youngest of four children. They were a close knit family, but sadly, all of her siblings preceded her in death.

Ella came to Chicago in her teenage years with her parents. After many years of courtship, she married Anderson Meeks on June 5, 1957. To this union, five children were born. Her sons, Chester and Lamont, preceded her in death, as well as her great-grandson, Johnny. After 53 years of marriage, her husband departed this life.

Ella was a very loving and caring person who enjoyed BBQing, gardening and shopping in her spare time. She also loved spending time with her family. She told countless stories that made you laugh and stop to think...did that really happen.

Whenever you came through her door on Sundays, she made you feel welcomed. You could always smell dinner cooking, especially the greens. She would say to you “have a seat baby”, “would you like something to eat” and “there’s Pepsi in the back”. She always had a smile on her face and was constantly laughing and joking. She spent a lot of time with her grandchildren and raised a few of them as her own. She was their babysitter and the chauffer for years...lol

Ella departed this life on December 8, 2025. She leaves to cherish: One son, Ronald and two daughters, Deborah and Sharon; eight grandchildren, Deborah, Chester, Tracey, LaTasha, Shatoya, Patrice, Brandon and Ronald Jr.; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, family and friends.