Ella Dee Hampton

Ella Dee Hampton passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2013 after a full and remarkable life. She was born on the family farm between Cape Girardeau and Jackson as Gladys Ella Dee Jones on October 22, 1928 to the late Lester and Mae Jones, as the second of five children. After selling her farmland to Southeast Missouri State University on which she was raised and lived, Ellie moved to Atlanta 6 years ago to be near her children and grandchildren.
She graduated from Jackson High School as the Silver Arrow Queen and Homecoming Queen during her senior year, prior to beginning her first job at the Cape Girardeau Bell Telephone Company, a predecessor to Southwestern Bell, and many mergers later, the first step of the AT&T corporate ladder. She married Billy Gene Hampton in 1948 and together they had four children and operated Hamptons Bakery on Broadway for over 25 years. Later she worked as a bookkeeper and antiques dealer, eventually returning to the baby bell family and retired after 15 years of service.
Ellie was a member of Centenary Methodist Church and later the New McKendree United Methodist Church and actively contributed as Usher, Greeter, and Vacation Bible School teacher over the years. She enjoyed participating in the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution organizations and was very active in both cities Senior Centers in retirement. Her many pursuits led to lifelong friendships and cherished activities with her three grandchildren.
She is survived by a brother Richard Jones and sisters Norma Jean Campbell, Shirlene Smith, and Judy Black. Ellie leaves behind her sons Billy Gene (Anne) Hampton of Cumming, GA; Matthew David (Genevieve) Hampton of Marietta, GA; and daughter Melissa Dee (Ross) Hampton Perlman of Suwanee, GA. Her three grandchildren whom she adored, Jerry, Lori, and Danny Hampton also survive her. Her son Robert Keith Hampton and her former husband Bill preceded Ellie in death.
An Ella Dee Celebration of Life memorial service and catered reception will be held at the familys Atlanta home at 5415 Villa Springs Court, Suwanee, GA 30024 on Saturday, June 8 at 1 PM prior to remains placement. Online condolences may be expressed at www.byarsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers or donations, Ellie requested food gifts for the fellowship of family and friends during her homegoing.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cumming,GA.


Celebration of Life: Ella Dee Hampton
Saturday, June 8
Memorial Service 1 & Catered Reception 2-6
Villas at Laurel Springs Clubhouse
5304 Villa Lake Court, Suwanee, GA 30024

Join us to celebrate the life of Ellie and reminisce of special times with her over the years. Her spirit will be with us as family and friends gather in fellowship to honor her memory during the afternoon open house.
The Memorial Service will include a spiritual message, a video anthology from birth to last shopping trip, and a family homily. The drop-in reception will feature Ellies favorite comfort foods (barbeque, fixins and fried okra, coffee, & dessert).

Celebration of Ella Dee: If it is to be, Its up to me!
As a lasting tribute, Ellie requested a memory book be created by attendees, with personal notes and pictures to fill the pages of her wonderful life story. Please bring a favorite picture, quote, or story to share and include in a scrapbook that permeates the very essence of Ella Dees personality.

We look forward to sharing the Ellie Memorial Day with you!
RSVPs necessary: hamperl@bellsouth.net or 770-789-2077