Mrs. Ella Regina Moreland

HER JOURNEY Ella Regina Pinckney Moreland was born on July 29, 1925, in Washington, DC to the late John Edward Pinckney and Pearl Griffin Pinckney. Ella earned her heavenly wings and went home to be with the Lord on January 16, 2021. Living and working in DC all her adult life, Ella was a true Washingtonian and loved her city. She married Edward Moreland in 1944 and from that union they had one son, Clifton. She was widowed in 1989. Clifton was her pride and joy, even as an adult and married with children, she always referred to him as “my baby,” even in public, she didn’t care, she wanted everyone to know he was hers. She was so happy to call him her son, she would give him the world if she could, and he would do the same in return. The mother-son bond was unmatched to the end. Ella loved the Lord as was reflected in her many years as a member of The Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church in NE Washington where she was active in several clubs/organizations. Ella was a dedicated employee of the District of Columbia Public School Systems’ Food Service Department for 32 years, retiring in 1991. Always the fashionista, Ella loved to shop, literally until she dropped, mostly with her sister Delores and on occasion her other sister Grayce would join them. They would take bus excursions to out-of-town outlet malls, and on some occasions overnight trips to local outlet malls. But many times she would go it alone when her sisters weren’t available. She had no problem taking the bus(es) to get to her favorite shopping spots like the Ross in Greenbelt, PG Plaza and Friendship Heights. Ella also loved her soap operas, especially As the World Turns and The Young and The Restless, and she made sure her VCR was set to record the shows whenever she was out shopping, she wouldn’t dare miss an episode. She especially loved gospel music and enjoyed anything by her favorite singer, Luther Vandross. Her favorite song however was “Hit the Road Jack,” by Ray Charles. Ella cherished her family, especially Clifton, but when her grandson Damon arrived she was in heaven. He couldn’t have asked for a more doting/giving Grandma. As a youngster, she took him everywhere, bought him everything, cooked him everything, etc. The same was true when her granddaughter Dawn came along. She attended Dawn’s dance recitals, did “girly” shopping sprees and other fun-loving activities. She made certain the two of them had the best of everything from clothing to the latest toys, books, etc., nothing was too good for her grandchildren. She made it a point to witness both their school activities, i.e., performances, recognitions, sporting events, graduations, etc. Ella cherished and was so proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. She was the best grandmother ever! She was equally thrilled in 2002 when Damon and Tricia made her a great-grandmother to twins Zoë and Andrew. She was loved from afar by the twins, as they lived out of state, but they made it a point to see her when in town. Ella loved her family and relished in the times spent with them, young and old alike. She loved preparing meals with and for them especially during the holiday seasons. She just loved shrimp, crabs, and cold beer and couldn’t wait for crab season to roll around where she could indulge herself in the seafood feast at Clifton’s home. She could probably teach most professional chefs a thing or two about cooking..everything she cooked was to perfection and oh so delicious. Her baked goods, cakes (strawberry in particular) and pies, were always superb, especially her rolls, and her Toll House Cookies which have become a family tradition carried on by her son Clifton. She often received requests for her desserts from family and friends. Once you had the pleasure of savoring the deliciousness of her desserts you always wanted more. As life and times changed Ella moved to Malta House in 2009 where she was afforded the opportunity to be waited on and cared for by a very dedicated, caring and loving staff. She looked forward to all the entertainment/activities provided, especially the many holiday celebrations and the yearly birthday parties held in her honor. At the end she was one of the oldest and one of the most cherished by staff and other residents. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Grayce General and brother Samuel Pannell. Ella leaves behind to cherish her legacy her loving and devoted son Clifton, her adoring daughter-in-law, Thama; loving grandson, Damon (Tricia); loving granddaughter Dawn (Antoine); great-granddaughter Zoë; great-grandson Andrew; one dedicated sister Delores ‘Corrine’ Sampson; one sister-in-law, Christine Easton, and several nieces and nephews and their children, and other extended family and friends. Ella was truly a gift to all who knew her. Her sweet, pleasant and loving demeanor was always appreciated by everyone. Her kind and honest soul as well as her beautiful heart will be a precious and lasting memory to so many.

Mrs. Ella Regina Moreland

July 29, 1925 - January 16, 2021