Ella Dunn

Ella Virginia Dunn was the first-born child of (the late) Mamie Austin Turner and William Branch Turner in Dinwiddie, Virginia on December 13, 1935.  Ella was known to all as being loving, loyal, dependable, independent, family orientated, stern, opinionated, and God fearing.     

In the 1950s, she moved to Brooklyn, New York and married the late James Dunn.  Through their union, two sons were born: Martin Dunn (deceased) and Steven Dunn.

Ella pursued her passion for education, and obtained her Associate’s degree at New York City Community College which was later renamed New York City College.  She continued her studies at Queens College, receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, and became a New York City public school educator.  She retired after thirty years of teaching.

Ella enjoyed traveling, flowers and baking. After retiring, she started a floral business for a short time, but she was known to many for making the best chocolate and pound cake from scratch.

Ella’s passion for community and education awarded her several certificates, awards, affiliations, and honors: Certified Guardianship Certificate from the Brooklyn Bar Association (2006), Rachel Jean Mitchell Award (1995), Pastoral Woman of the Year Award – Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church (1993), National Association of Business and Professional Woman, Inc. – Appreciation Award (Far Rockaway Club: 1982 & Brooklyn Club: 2008), Chapter Leader Certificate – Local 2 AFT (2001), Commitment to Excellence Award – UFT (1999), Outstanding Community Organization Award – AARP-New York (2007), Dedicated Community and Support Award – Clinton Hill Chapter 2197 AARP (2007) and also served for twelve years as the Union’s Chapter Leader with United Federation of Teachers.

Ella is a Life Member of National Association Business and Professional Women, Inc. (1979), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (1989), Association of Black Educators of New York (1990) and AARP of New York Chapter Developer for Brooklyn (2005).

Ella was an active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Greater Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and ultimately found a home at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church.

Ella was preceded to glory by her son Martin Dunn, her sister Grace Tracy, her brother William Turner, grandson Nathaniel Dunn and niece Verlina Edwards.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her son Steven Dunn; her sister Laura Chapman; three sisters-in-law: Adeline Turner, Rose Reid and Terry Dunn; five grandchildren: Shatisha Boone, Sandra Dunn, Arthur Dunn, Sr., Jasmin Bryant-Dunn and Sonia Brewer-Scott (Melvin); nine great-grandchildren: Shauna, Robert, Taylor, Sean, Arthur, Jr., Mark, Syleena, Rahmeir and Devin; five nieces: Dr. Robbin Chapman, April Chapman-St. Luce (Phillipe), Vanessa Reid, Shelisa Reid and Beverly; three nephews: Jeffrey Reid, Bruce Reid (Wendy) and Terrance Tracy (Paula); five great-great-grandchildren, cousins, dear friends, and a host of other extended family and friends who loved her and will miss her dearly.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.