Ella Mae Selmon

I fought a good fight. I gave it my all. I smiled during my pain, and I answered my call. I loved you all dearly; this you know for certain. I am resting with the Lord, eternally free from hurting. Shed your tears for me now, but not for too long.

May you find comfort in knowing I am finally home.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

Her Life and Legacy

Ella Mae Selmon was born to the late Willie Davis, Sr. and Cloteal Callahan Phillips on November 23, 1944, in Covington, LA. She was married to the late Edward Lee Selmon. She was the proud parent of one child. Ella Mae, affectionately known as “Mama,” was a hard worker and a wonderful mother.

She was baptized at Mount Zion Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church at a young age. The Lord used her to be a blessing to others, which she did diligently and willingly. She had a way of making people feel welcomed and loved. She demonstrated her love and loyalty to Christ through her actions and values. The Mothers of the church instilled in her, through the mission band, the power of prayer and the need to visit the sick and shut in.

A Life of Service

Her extensive community service included Ella faithfully serving in the church, as a member of the Senior Choir, President of the Women’s Ministry, and a dedicated Sunday School teacher for more than 15 years.

She was passionate about working to improve her community. She volunteered at the Covington Food Bank for over 20 years; served on the board of the Covington Housing Authority, where she served as a chairperson for nearly 10 years; and volunteered for the American Red Cross. She was a member of the Northshore Democratic Women’s Club, Progressive Northshore Democrats, and the NAACP. Ella was a Charter member of the Covington Garden Partnership (now Keep Covington Beautiful), volunteer with the St. Tammany Art Association and the St. Tammany Parish Fair Association. Ella was deeply involved in city, parish, and state governments. She served as a reserve officer with the police department for 17 years. She was also a member of the Progressive Northshore Democrats, the Northshore Democratic Women’s Club, and the NAACP.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Willie Davis, Jr., Mose Phillips, Rosetta Phillips James, and Mary Phillips.

Ella leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Jeanette (Lee) Farrell of Waldorf, MD; five nieces: Louise (Gene) Williams of Covington, LA, Lorraine Snowden of Wylie, TX, Louvina Hayes of Columbia, MS, Betty (Jimmy) Booker of Houston, TX, and Patricia James of Covington, LA; two nephews: Clifford James and Bernard (Joy) James, both of Covington, LA; five Godchildren; and a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

She loved her extended family: Antonio (Tanya) of Slidell, LA; Everett (Sharon) of Independence, LA; Joel (Sandra) Marigny of Covington, LA; Ronald (Irma) Marigny of Covington, LA; Brad Walker of Covington, LA; Lydia Washington of Slidell, LA; LTC Keith D. Washington of Harker Heights, TX; Diane Gilmore of Biloxi, MS; Edith (Lenard) Wilson of Amite, LA; and her beloved church family.

Special Friends: Tammie Groover, Merthe Groover, Andrea Keller, and Jesse Mormon.

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