Ella Jean (Funches) Ousley

Ella Jean (Funches) Ousley was born on November 21, 1946, to Elnoel Funches and Precious Magee in Mount Olive, Mississippi. She transitioned to eternity on May 6, 2023, in Frisco, Texas.

Affectionately regarded as "Winky", "Flying Jinny" and "Boo Boo", Ella attended Holy Ghost Catholic School where she played basketball. She graduated in 1964 and went on to major in English, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Upon graduating college in 1968, she began her career at General Motors Acceptance Corporation (New Orleans, Louisiana and Jackson, Mississippi locations) where she worked for 22 years as a receptionist and was later promoted to Finance Accountant until she retired in 1990.  

Ella was committed to her faith in God. She was a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jackson, Mississippi. She was also committed to civic service through her community involvement which included the Tougaloo Community Garden; Tougaloo Civic League; and S.A.V.E (Society Against A Violent Environment) which focuses on helping children combat violence by providing them with alternative avenues of socialization. 

Among many hobbies, Ella delighted in cross-stitching, listening to music, dancing, traveling, bowling, gaming, and SHOPPING. She took great pride in being a Candy Crush champion, and she most enjoyed her time on the greens as an avid golfer.    

Ella married William Ousley and they had two daughters, Gina and Tracee. She later married Clyde Blakely with whom she remained united until his transition.

A devoted and loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, Ella will be long-admired for her courage in raising two successful daughters as a single mother. She will also be fondly remembered as a solid pillar to her seven grandchildren and a stern sister to her siblings. Her witty, stubborn, headstrong, and dedicated nature will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, Elnoel and Precious (Magee) Funches; brothers, Lawrence Funches and Robert Funches; and husband, Clyde Blakely.   

Those left to cherish precious memories include her daughter, Gina Ousley; daughter, Tracee Darby (Joezon); sister, Mae Gloria Johnson (Elwood); sister, Ada Cargin (Harrel); brother, Elnoel Funches; sister, Monica Bunley; brother-in-law, John Blakely (Mia); grandchildren - Antoine Ousley, Trebian Ousley, Jabare Ousley, Chadwick Ousley, Kaitlin Darby, Colin Darby, and Brooklyn Ousley; honorary son, Michael Thompson; nieces and nephews - Cheryll Smith (Derek), Shannon Newton (Daniel), Deirdre Washington (Tony), Gloria Underwood (Leonard), Micah Cargin, Gabrielle Cargin, Lisa Jones, Dontellus Funches (Eva), Veronica Funches, Christopher Bunley, Crystal Bunley, and Glenda Jamir; many great nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.  

In lieu of flowers, keepsake mementos and monetary gifts are preferred by the family:

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