Ada Beatrice Ulmer

On July 1, 1944, in the small town of Duck Hill, Mississippi, the late Augusta (Gus) and Lillie Dell McNeal gave birth to their 11th child and named her Ada Beatrice.  The tapestry of this young girl was woven together by faith, love and family.  This was the foundation she needed for the amazing journey that was awaiting her.

While attending St. John Baptist Church in Duck Hill, Mississippi, she accepted Christ at an early age.  Her parents instilled in her Godly values that she practiced and passed on to those she met.  She grew up learning how to farm, make homemade biscuits and was introduced to her passion of sewing.

Upon graduation in 1963 from Montgomery County Vocational High School, Kilmichael, MS, Ada migrated to Joliet, Illinois.  Coming from the south with a strong work ethic, she immediately took on various jobs before joining Western Electric.  Her career in the technology industry led her to Illinois Computer Cable, where she earned a Management Certificate from MIMA Management Institute.  She was later able to utilize those acquired skills at Components Express as a supervisor where she retired.

The thread of her faith led her to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she joined under the late Pastor James W. Walton.  As she grew in the word, her desire for service increased.  She joined and faithfully served on the Senior Usher Board.  Ada was a champion for women, especially young women.  So, it was only right for her to become the President of the Shiloh's Women's Ministry.  As President, she spearheaded conferences, teas, and prayer gatherings.  The Women's Ministry was a garment she wore well!

Her skills of sewing were not only a hobby, but her passion.  Her creative ability was God given and up until the time of her passing, she was still sewing.  Ada was known for her beautifully designed laced handkerchiefs and lap scarves.  It was because of these that Ada opened Bea's Boutique.

The fabric was frayed by the passing of her parents, Gus and Lillie Dell, her siblings, Kelly Ann McNeal, Willie Mae Kirkwood, Mae Ruth Eskridge, Mizella Edwards, O.D. McNeal, Ora Lee Holman and Robert McNeal.

Her journey left footprints for her husband of 47 years, Joe E. Ulmer; three sons, Steve (Cheryl) McNeal of St. Louis, MO, Cedric McNeal of Decatur, GA and Rodney (Alicia) Ulmer of Portland, OR; granddaughter, Jessica McNeal; grandson, Michael Ruwoldt and great grandson, Christopher Jr. and great granddaughter, Jeyah; six sisters, Thelma Holman, Louise (Billie) Williamson, Betty Sue Hosey, Lela Reese, Lucille Robinson and Gladys (John) Ulmer; her beloved stepdaughters, Jackie (Trinell) Williams and Mildred Ulmer; her god-daughter, Sandra (Scooter) Rogers and her dear friend, Merlean Myers; along with a host of relatives, kinfolk and play cousins that make up this beautiful tapestry of family.

She kept us woven together, straight stitch for when we needed a word, whip stitch when we need correcting,, blanket stitch when we needed to be covered.

Exodus 35:25-35 - All the skilled women spun with their hands and brought what they had spun, in blue and purple and scarlet material and in fine linden.

THE FABRIC OF A WOMAN...

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