Ella Divinity Mccadney

Ella Mae Divinity McCadney, age 80, of Toledo, Ohio went home to Glory on February 16, 2024. Ella was born on July 7, 1943 to Elijah L. Divinity and Annie Divinity-Turner, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi.

Ella graduated salutatorian at age 16 from Kendall High School in Kendall, New York, being one of the few Black students attending the school. After earning her diploma, Ella began her college career at the University of Indiana and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from SUNY (State University of New York) Brockport, NY, majoring in Speech and British Literature.

Ella was very passionate about education, and she instilled this passion in all of her children. After retiring, Ella's thirst for knowledge continued, and motivated her to attend the University of Toledo in pursuit of a nursing degree. She proudly displayed her straight A report card on the refrigerator for all to see.

Ella's passion for humanity and social issues led her to hold many government jobs for both the states of New York and Ohio. She was the first Black female director for the Huron County Group Home for Boys in Norwalk, Ohio. She retired from Maumee Youth Center after working over 35 years for the state of Ohio.

Ella was a strong advocate for worker's rights and equality in the workplace. She served the labor union, SEIU District 1199, as both an employee and a member. As a result, members of 1199 were able to receive unparalleled health, education, and pension benefits.

Growing up in Mississippi under the guise of the "Jim Crow South", Ella experienced racial discrimination during her youth. Such experiences set in motion her commitment to political activism, e.g., working poll booths, registering people to vote, participating in civil protests and campaigning for multiple Democratic candidates.

Ella became a lifetime blood donor with the American Red Cross after one of her children received a lifesaving donation from a selfless person. She would say, "If my donations save one life, I've done my job." Ella encouraged everyone to donate blood, and continued to donate well into her sixties.

Ella was an avid reader, whose favorite author was Stephen King. In addition to reading, she had several favorite hobbies, such as traveling, going to the casino (da boat), and scratching lottery tickets. Without having to ask, we all knew what she wanted whenever we visited her. She would always say, "What did you bring me? Hopefully some winners!" with a smile on her face. Her favorites were $5 Cashword and $5 Bingo.

Her scratch-off luck had once won her $50K, and with her giving heart, she shared her blessings with her loved ones. Additionally, Ella enjoyed watching Jeopardy and amazed us all with her vast knowledge, effortlessly shouting out the questions for many answers.

Ella was affectionately called "Mama" by everyone, child or not. Her son-in-law later added "Mother Dear" as a term of endearment and love. Her life exemplified generosity and unselfishness; never hesitating to open her home or lend a helping hand to someone having a difficult time.

Anyone who knew Ella was no doubt familiar with her "Ellaisms", like "God willing and the creek don't rise." However, her favorite and most beloved saying was, "I love you like a rock, and that's hard."

Bob Seger was Ella's favorite singer. At any family gathering, you would hear her singing and dancing to songs like "Against the Wind" or "Old Time Rock and Roll" without a care in the world just laughing it up, with a cold Budweiser in hand.

Ella was the definition of strength, grace, and beauty. She never complained. She was not only a fighter, but a survivor just like her favorite team, the Buffalo Bills ("I'm still a Bill!"). She battled and beat cancer three times through faith and perseverance.

She was extremely grateful for the time with her family, whom she loved so much. Whenever asked how she was doing, she would say, "I'm fighting the good fight.", and she did to the very end. We are thankful that she has won the battle of eternal rest.

There was no white flag waved, no negotiation, no weapons laid down. Ella's only surrender was to the Lord who welcomed her into His arms, in His time. We rejoice, knowing that she took His hand with happiness and is finally at peace. We love you Mama and we're looking forward to seeing you again.

Ella was preceded in death by parents, Elijah (Fannie) and Annie Divinity-Turner (Stanley); companion, Roosevelt Calvin; husband, Sammie T. McCadney; sisters, Annie Pearl Lee (Herman), Flora Evans (Sammie), Naomi McKnight (James), and Dorothy Donalson (Norman); brothers, Arthur Russom, Stanley Turner, Otis Turner, and Bernard Turner; sons, Samuel A. McCadney, Sr. and Tyrone N. McCadney, Sr.

She is survived by sisters, Genevieve Turner, Annie Ruth Turner, Francis Ann Turner, Lillie Ann Turner, and Jewel Hammond (Edward); and brother, Rufus Turner. Special nieces, YeVetta D. Lewis-Massey, Cynthia Lee (Holman) and stand-in-son, Asian Andrews.

Loving and remembering Ella are daughters; Parnice L. Andrews (Drew) of Dacula, GA, Denyce L. Calvin of Toledo, OH, Lynnette M. Hair (George) of Toledo, OH and Tanya N. McCadney of Toledo, OH. She leaves behind grandchildren, Kanika Kincey (Hezron), Shaquala Calvin, Precious Calvin, Shalisha Hooper, Michael Smith, Sr., Alicia McNeal, Cassandra Hogue, Robert Davis, Trey Harris, Treyon Andrews, Samia McCadney, Aaronea McCadney, Tyler Harris, Alissa Andrews, Tyrone N. McCadney, Jr., Rachel Hair, Tyra McCadney, Seth Hair, Troy Harris, Samuel A. McCadney, Jr., Shyon McCadney and bonus grandchildren, Trey Andrews, George Hair III, Christopher Hair, Michael Hair, Andrew Martin, Marie Mitchell and Christian Hair. Ella also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, great grandchildren, great cousins, friends and loved ones.

Services for Ella will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Newcomer- Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) with Funeral Services beginning at 3:00 p.m. Pastor LaShawn McCadney, officiating

To watch Ella's service via LiveStream, please click here.

To share a memory of Ella or to leave a special message for her family, please click the "Special Memories" button above.