Ella Williams

Ella Jo Williams, age 75, of Knoxville, Tennessee, peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her daughter, son-in-law, son, granddaughters, grandson, nieces, and nephew.

Ella was born December 30, 1950, in Harriman, Tennessee. To the late Isiah and Minnie Lue Ensley. 

After graduating from Rule High School, Ella married the love of her life, Rufus Williams. Together they built a family and were blessed with two children: Michael and Lakisha.

Later, Ella dedicated her life to caring for and loving her kids. She began the workforce. Employed at KOIC for 10 years, Blue Coach for 10 years, Travis Meats for 18 years, and Open Arms Care for 18 years. Then she became a certified nursing assistant for 15 years, employed at Serena Manor, NHC Knox, and Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab. 

She was a member of Greater Bush Grove Baptist Church for 65 years. She sang in the choir and with the Heavenly Echos gospel group. After she became ill, she started attending Bethany Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Williams. Her parents, Isiah and Minnie Lue Ensley, Aunt Mary Holliday, Uncle Thomas Moore; brother Isiah (Margaret) Ensley; Niece Rosa Herrington; nephews Lawrence and William Morris. Sister and brothers-in-law: Carol Williams, Melvin Williams, Billy Williams of West Point, Mississippi, Mary Helen Payne, John Payne, and Earnest Payne of Knoxville, Tennessee. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving son, Michael Williams, and her daughter, Lakisha (Leonard) Campbell of Knoxville, Tennessee. Her grandchildren, Jemichael (Korrina) Williams of Daytona, Ohio, Tatianna Carson, Lil Peewee Roach, Lyja Roach, and Al'Isha Roach of Knoxville, Tennessee. Great-grandchildren: Jacolby, Kasion, Princeton, Carter, Alyana of Daytona, Ohio; Kaden and Asiah of Knoxville, Tennessee. 

She is also survived by her sibling, Annie Mae Morris of Rhode Island. Special nieces Linda Ensley, Sylvia Williams; extended family member Marylin Blanton. Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Though our hearts are saddened by the loss of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend to all. We rejoice in knowing that Ella is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Her life was a beautiful example of love, perseverance, faith, and selfless service. The memories she created, the wisdom she shared, and the unconditional love she gave will forever live in the hearts of her family and friends.

Ella's legacy will continue for generations to come, and she will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 7:00pm on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Jarnigan & Son Chapel, located at 2823 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914 with a service to immediately follow.

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.