Batesburg-Leesville - Mrs. Ella Ree Dozier-Wigfall gracefully entered on Earth, the baby of fifteen children, on February 24th, 1955, in Batesburg (Saluda County), South Carolina, to the late Mr. Brazie Dozier and the late Mrs. Thelma Lowman-Dozier. She elegantly departed this life on September 27th, 2024.
Ella Ree first received her education from the Twin City High School, then the Batesburg-Leesville High School.
Two years after high school, Ella Ree joined in union with Mr. Anthony Wigfall, Sr. on November 29th, 1975. Their union consisted of five children, Anthony Wigfall, Jr. of Jonesboro, Georgia, Thelmanee Wigfall of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, Joseph Wigfall of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Shirlene Wigfall of Lexington County, South Carolina and the late Anthony Williams.
Mostly everyone who knew Ella Ree knew that she had an exceptional ability in gardening! Passersby would see her and her family tending to her various flower gardens on any given day. The onlookers were constantly amazed by her gorgeous floral arrangements and often sought knowledge from Ella Ree on how they could achieve the same results. One of her favorite tips was to apply love, patience, and a smidgen of Miracle-Gro!
Not only was Mrs. Wigfall known for her gardening but also for her ability to make people laugh. No matter the person’s mood or type of day, she’d always find a way to put a smile on their face!
For many years, Ella Ree was a member of the Christian Chapel FBH Church in Batesburg, South Carolina. From there, she moved her membership to the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Leesville, South Carolina. While at Christian Chapel, Ella Ree was the usher board director and the junior and senior choir director. While at St. Mark, she was a member of the senior choir.
She was employed by Lexington County School District Three for 20 years, later for the Aiken County Public School District, and after six years of hard work and dedication, she retired. After retiring, she returned to work for the Aiken County Public School District. Mrs. Wigfall had the work ethic of no other! She worked tirelessly to ensure her job tasks were done thoroughly. She received several awards and accolades for her work. She also assisted the family of Mr. David Sawyer, Jr. for 41 years.
Ella Ree was preceded in death by sisters - Earlene Coleman, Mary Whitt, Julie Mae Outz, and Mabel Stroman; brothers - Frank Dozier, Robert Dozier, Joseph Dozier, James Dozier, Albert Harris, and Lawrence Dozier.
In addition to her loving husband and adoring four children, Ella Ree leaves to cherish her memory, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sisters – Anna Wright and Evanise Johnson, sisters-in-law – Gladys Dozier, Louisa Burton, Willie Mae Taylor, Doris Wigfall, Priscilla Jeffcoat and Shelia Harris; brothers-in-law – Henry (Joann) Wigfall, Eddie Wigfall and Ronnie Wigfall; childhood friends - Betty Jo Etheredge and Janet Jackson, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and loving friends.
Ella Ree administered agape love to her family, friends, and everyone she encountered. She will always be missed by those whose lives she has impacted.
Homegoing Services were held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina 29070. Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. was the officiating pastor.