Lela Burkett

Lela Ellender Williams Burkett passed away peacefully on April 25, 2020 in Mobile, AL at the age of 77.Ellen is survived by her daughter Regina (Gina) Walley and her grandchildren Maya and Ava Walley of Mobile, AL; her older sister Bobbie Jo Herrington of Hattiesburg, MS and her nephew Bubba Herrington of Canton, MS and her nieces Becky Newton and Beverly Byrd of Hattiesburg, MS; her older brother Joe Williams, Jr and sister-in-law Reba Williams along with their children, niece Serra Williams and nephew Jody Williams all of Birmingham, AL; her sister-in-law Earline Williams and her nephews Andy and Wendell Williams of Petal, MS. She is preceded in death by her father Joseph Vernon Williams, Sr. and her mother Lela Elsie Parker Williams; and her younger brother William "Will" Williams.Ellen was a passionate elementary school teacher who loved her job with kids and was dedicated for all of her career until she retired with a Masters in Elementary Education from W. C. Griggs Elementary School. She was also a committed member of the Mardi Gras Mystic Society where she served as Queen of her organization in 1993.This year of 2020 so far has one of unusual circumstances. Due to the social distancing and quarantine procedures of the COVID19 pandemic, there will not be a viewing of the body. She will be cremated and there will be a memorial service at a future date that is uncertain at this time.