Ella Mae Haley's Obituary
Ella Mae Stewart was the first of two children born to Elnora Waller and Otis Stewart, on March 19, 1928 in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Family moved to California in 1942, settling in Oakland with her mother, stepfather (Edward B. Hayes) and grandmother (Lena Martin). She was a graduate of McClymonds High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ella continued her education at California State University in Hayward, receiving a Master’s Degree in Education.
In 1952 Ella and Arthur Haley were united in holy matrimony. Their union was blessed with two children, Karl Edward Haley and Eleanor Z. Haley.
Mrs. Haley was employed for more than twenty years with the Oakland Unified School District, retiring in 1984 from the position of Vice-Principal in the adult education department. She always had firm roots in the Oakland community, serving on numerous councils, which included the East Oakland Planning Center and the East Oakland Development Council. Mrs. Haley also advocated for Oakland Head Start, Early Childhood Education, and Senior Housing. She was proud to be a founding board member of the East Oakland Credit Union.
Ella Mae embraced the Christian faith at an early age. Affectionately called “Mother Haley,” she was a member of Acts Full Gospel Church for 26 years. Her faith in Christ was evident in the unselfish way she gave of her time, talents and means to the cause of humanity. She remained devout and loyal to this commitment throughout her life. Mother Haley, lovingly called “Ms. Daisy,” loved her garden, breakfast, bacon, beans, and bargains.
Mother Haley departed this world shortly after celebrating her 90th Birthday. She leaves to cherish her memory a son Karl Edward Haley; daughters Dr. Eleanor Haley and Susan Amador; six grandchildren Anna, Leah, Christopher, Michael, Isiah and Tabitha; Brother, Rev. Christopher B. Stewart; and two nephews, Benjamin Stewart and David Stewart; Her “Daughters in Love,” Veronica Garrett, MD and Brenda Collins; and a host of extended family and friends who loved her immensely, and shall miss her.
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