Ella Pearl "Sister" Squire of Rockford departed this earthly life December 7, 2024. She was born August 19, 1929 in Rossville, TN the daughter of John Henry and Ophelia Bates. Ella lived in Rockford since 1946 coming from Byhalia, MS. She married LeRoy Squire April 18, 1949, he preceded her in death. Ella was employed as an assembler by Amrock Corporation 30 years before retiring. After retiring she became a Crossing Guard for Rockford Public Schools for 28 years.   She was a member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, formerly serving as an usher. Ella was a member of a Community Social Group of Black Families in the 1950's and assisted at  Lewis Lemon and Brookview Elementary schools with the children, in the cafeteria and bus loading. She attended Rockford West High School.

Ella leaves to cherish many loving memories, four daughters, Theresa Hill, Sharon (Larry D.  Ellis Sr.) Ellis, Sheryl (Anton Dockery) Squire and Rosalind Squire; one son, LeRoy E. Squire; 8 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and a great great granddaughter; a host of other relatives and friends including special cousins, Nolden Gentry, Lester and Yvette Young. She was predeceased by her parents; husband; son  Calvin W. Squire; and four brothers, John Henry Bates; VL Malone, Wilfort Malone and Frank Bates; son in law, JC Hill.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Pilgrim Baptist Church  1703 S. Central Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.