on BET’s ComicView as well as on The
Mo’Nique Show and opened for many
famous comedians including Bruce Bruce,
Earthquake, and Sheryl Underwood. “Ms.
Ella was actually performing in Aruba in
2005 when Natalie Holloway went missing,”
said Lonnie.
In 2002, Ms. Ella began having severe
headaches. From an MRI, doctors discovered
an aneurysm. “I went into surgery, and they
put three rolls of titanium in my head. I was
in there for twelve hours,” she said. “That’s
when I started slowing down.”
After the surgery, she moved back home
to McRae. Ms. Ella worked for a time at
Husqvarna Outdoor Products and at Jacks
Mart. In 2007, she put in her application at
Walmart in Vidalia and was hired that same
day. “I started out working in apparel,” said
Ms. Ella. “From there, I worked the fitting
rooms.”
After a time, she could no longer work
the floor. “My head started getting rough.
My equilibrium is off.” Ms. Ella also had
an injury to one of her eardrums. “I had
surgery, but it didn’t fix it. I can only hear
in one ear now.” At around the same time,
she said, “Walmart decided to bring back the
‘People Greeters.’ I’ve been doing that for
about a year and a half now.” (At the time of
this publication, Ms. Ella had resumed her
place working in the fitting room area).
As she greeted us day after day,
customers and visitors to the area began
posting remarks on Facebook about her
thoughtfulness. But the real surprise came
when she received a personal handwritten
letter from Greg Foran, President and CEO
of Walmart Stores in the U.S. He wrote: “I’ve
just received a lovely customer letter telling
me about how you make a difference. Thank
you for everything you are doing.”
Every day we hear of another violent
act or injustice. Much of the news seems
driven by arguments and negativity. The
atmosphere needs a shift. Words of kindness,
encouragement, reassurance, and praise are
in desperate need in our homes, schools,
and workplaces. Ms. Ella’s hope is that
“everyone can learn to love.” It’s a big hope.
But it couldn’t be anything less for the
woman who is unafraid to love us all. TCM
Hospice patients are eligible for
services from their Medicare or
912.538.8000
Fax 912.538.0467
Your local Vidalia hospice agency
Compassionate care
needs it most
License # 138-0397-H
Hometown Living At Its Best 33