Ella Juanita Oates, 92, of Sarasota, Florida, peacefully departed this life on October 20, 2026.
Ella Oates was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, on January 25, 1934. Born to Waddell and Larcie Steele, she was the last of five children. She attended Trenholm High school and went on to earn a college degree from Empire State College. She worked in education for many years. She taught piano and played for several churches, including First Baptist Church in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, FL.
Her memory is cherished by her children, Valerie Goodwin and her husband, Bob of Tallahassee, FL; Deborah Scruggs (deceased); Larcie Williams of St. Joe, AR; Sylvia Colbert and her husband Bennie of Sarasota, FL; and Stacy Scruggs of Temple Terrace, FL.
She is loved by her 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nephews, and nieces.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee, FL on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., followed by a family gathering.
