Ella Mae Blade, the oldest of three children, was born to the late Lars Warren and Willie Ollie Warren on October 3, 1937 in Bullock County, Alabama. Ella received Christ at an early age. She claimed her faith at Indian Creek Baptist Church in 1950 where she was also baptized. Ella attended Mt. Hilary Montessori School.

Ella and her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1952, where she joined Mt. Hermon Baptist Church and was under the leadership of Reverend Fuller. She was united in Holy Matrimony to J.C. Blade in 1956. In that union they had four children: Danielle, Karl, Marty, and Geraldine. As a loving wife and mother, Ella was a stay-at-home mom who found joy in raising her four children. Once her kids were of age, Ella went to work at Mr. Coffee.

In 1972, Ella would happily partake in “The Blade” Family band where she was joined by her husband and four children. She took joy in being the tambourine player and performing across Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1992, Ella continued her walk with Christ and joined Good Shepard Baptist Church, where she was under the leadership of Pastor Eddie L. Hawkins. In 2001, Ella joined Victory Baptist Church and was under the leadership of Pastor Rory Tate and became one of the most beloved mothers of the church. In 2011, she joined The Word Church and was under the leadership of Dr. R.A. Vernon with her daughter and granddaughter and remained a member until her last days.

Ella, who was known to many as “Momma Blade” and known to her granddaughter as “Gan”, was loved and cherished by so many. She touched many hearts with her infectious smile and beautiful spirit.

Ella went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 22, 2022. She leaves to cherish her memory: children, Danielle Basim, Karl Blade, Marty Blade, and Geraldine Blade; sisters, Ollie Quarles, and Virginia Kidd; one beloved grandchild, Amber Basim; special family friends, The Fisher Family and The Acy Family; two lifelong best friends, Mattie Williams and Shirley Fisher and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Ella will be missed tremendously but we know she entered the pearly gates of heaven. Her beautiful soul and presence are watching over us until we meet again.