Ella Doris Sweet Gerald was born August 25, 1960, in Camilla, Georgia.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Eleanor Doris Sweet and David Lee Golden.

During the early years of her life, she attended the public schools of  Mitchell County. Realizing how important education was, Ella persevered to overcome many obstacles and completed the requirements to earn her GED—an accomplishment that made her a strong example for her family.

Ella's Christian experience began at an early age when she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized in Mitchell County. In later years after moving to Albany, Georgia, she united with the Greater Second Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Lorenzo L. Heard.   Throughout life's journey, she remained steadfast and continued her walk with the Lord at Greater United Pleasant Green Baptist Church until her health declined.  Even in the midst of adversity, she always had a smile on her face and the joy of the Lord in her heart.

She was united in holy matrimony to Liston D. Gerald who preceded her in death.  Ella was a devoted wife and mother who was most diligent in caring for the needs of her family.  For numerous years, she was employed as a custodian at Mitchell County Elementary School.  She was a persistent, hardworking individual and always gave her BEST, no matter what the task.  Ella held fast to her belief that work is honorable.  Over the years, she taught her children the value of hard work as she labored tirelessly in various capacities at Sunnyland Farms and  Watson Kitchen.

Family meant everything to Ella.  She believed strongly in unconditional love and always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family—she was the glue that held them all together.  Throughout life, she unselfishly gave of herself to help others and never asked anything in return.  Ella was an excellent cook and spent many hours in the kitchen creating mouth-watering dishes for family and friends.  Her doors were always open and her table was always spread for anyone who wanted to enjoy a "down-home" soulful meal.  Her kind, gentle spirit will always have a very special place in the hearts of all who knew and loved her dearly.

On Monday, October 26, 2020, Ella was called home to eternal peace and rest.

Precious and fond memories will forever be cherished by her children, Shanda Renee Sweet of Montgomery, AL, Russell Centell Haynes (Erica Grady) of Austin, TX, and Sean (Amelious) Haynes of Albany, GA; grandchildren, Tarrus Sweet, Shontay Haynes, Dayshay Coleman, Kemenrion Haynes, and Jireh Gachett; great grandson, Zyeon Haynes; goddaughter, Miracle Brown; siblings, Evan (Evangelist Deborah) Sweet of Jacksonville, FL, David Sweet of Albany, GA, Pie Golden of Macon, GA, Ethel Golden of Camilla, GA, and Elise Washington of Waycross, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.