Ella Mae Carroll, beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted member of her community, passed away on March 14, 2025, in Abilene, Texas, at the age of 97. Born in Roxton, Texas, Ella Mae attended school there before pursuing her passion for beauty and graduating from Madam CJ Walker Beauty School in Dallas, TX. At the tender age of 19, she became a business owner of her own hair salon, "The Beauty Nook", which was a testament to her drive and determination. For many years, she was a prominent figure in the community, and her legacy of hard work and perseverance continues to inspire all who knew her. Ella Mae was a lifelong member of Antioch CME Church in Abilene, where she dedicated herself to serving others. She joined the church in 1944, and for over 30 years, she served as the President of the Missionary Society. In addition to her leadership in the Missionary Society, Ella Mae was an active member of the church's choir and usher board, contributing her time and spirit to the church she loved so dearly. Beyond her church service, Ella Mae was also a proud member of the Business and Professional Women's Club, where she supported and encouraged the growth of women in the professional world. Ella Mae's family meant the world to her. She leaves behind her loving children: daughter Sharon Butler (Robby Butler) of Harker Heights, Texas; son Gary Carroll (Shana Carroll) of Abilene; and daughter Drucilla Christian of Abilene. Her grandchildren, Tiffany King of Austin, Kiya Carroll of Abilene, Vanessa Christian of Abilene, Russell Christian of Abilene, Jayresse Patton of Fort Worth, Texas, Kazim Carroll of Austin, 15 great-grandchildren; special nieces Denise Boyd of Blythewood, SC, Kim Wells of Fayetteville, NC, Lisa Gray & Cynthia Redwine of the Ft. Worth, TX; special nephews Harold Gene Hawthorne of Ft. Worth, TX & Ike Johnson of Abilene; special cousins Stephen "Papa" Johnson & Lilly Hale of Abilene, Clifton Johnson of Los Angeles, CA, Joe Joe Johnson of Detroit, MI., Stephanne Hale of Glenn Heights, TX., special great-niece Patience Williams and children Antoine, Maddisun, and Joi who called her Grandma, and a host of extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Carroll; her father, Tommy Clark; her mother, Edna Johnson; her son, Ronald Carroll; grandson, Andre Christian, great-grandsons Kemont & Andrew Christian and most recently her best friend Ernestine Hammond. A funeral service to celebrate Ella Mae's life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at North's Funeral Home 242 Orange St, Abilene, Texas. Visitation will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM at North's Funeral Home. Interment will follow on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Abilene Municipal Cemetery. Ella Mae's legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.