Ella Smith

It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Ella Elaine Smith who passed away at the age of 54, on May 21, 2023 in Odessa Tx.

Ella Elaine Smith was born March 26, 1969 in Chillicothe, Hardeman, Texas to Janie Lou Smith and Earl Luckey.

Visitation will be Friday June 2,2023 at 1:00 PM -9:00 PM at Martinez Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday June 3,2023 at Bethlahem Baptist Church with  Rev. Darren Willis Officiating. Arrangements are made by Martinez Funeral Home

She attended public schools in Ector County and graduated from Permian High School in 1987. As a member of the Permian Panther varsity track team, Elaine excelled on the 400 and 1600 relays and the open 400. In 1987 Elaine was honored as a debutante during the Debutante Cotillion Ball sponsored by the Odessa City Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Elaine is predeceased by her mother Janie Lou Gamble and  stepfather Gene “Geno” Gamble.

Ella Elaine is survived by 2 sons: Anthony McDowell Jr. and Nathan McDowell Sr; 1 daughter Ashley Smith McDowell; grandchildren: Anthony McDowell III, Daebreon McDowell, Zy’liyah McDowell, Lashonda Green, Sheniquea Mcdowell, Kimora Pierce, De’Aubreana Rose, Ri’Niya Smith, Akirrah, Niayia McDowell, Amora McDowell, and Nathan Jr. McDowell;  step-mother Ida Gamble; mother-in-law: Alice McDowell; daughter-in-law Andrea McDowell; Ashley’s friend Laquisha Harris; and a host of other relatives and friends