Estella Mae Barnett

ESTELLA MAE BARNETT was born February 24, 1919 on a farm in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She was the second oldest child of 12 children born to Sylvester Wendell Barnett and Belsee Shoulders Barnett. She started her formal education in Omaha Nebraska for the short period of time her parents lived there. Moving back to the Oklahoma farm, one of her main goals was to make sure she had an education so there would be no need to continue farm work. She received her diploma from Grayson High school in Grayson Ok., where she won every Spelling Bee each year and acquired her wonderful sewing skills. She became a seamstress. The clothes she made looked as if they came from a fine department store. She had a desire to attend Langston University, but there were no funds. She moved to Tulsa, OK., and took a job with Boeing Aircraft as a Riveter working on airplanes. She was one of the first African American version of the famous “Rosie the Riveter” during world war two. When Boeing relocated out of state, she was offered a position with the company but decided to stay in Tulsa. Her determination and will to continue her education kicked in again. So, she attended Madam C.J. Walker’s Beauty School. Where she received her license and became a beautician. Knowing the Good Lord as she did, and wanting to be of service, she joined St Paul AME church and continued her service there through the years. While working hard and serving the Lord, Estella somehow found time to give birth to two children. In 1942 she was united with William Frank Miles. To this union their daughter Linda was born. William passed at an early age. In 1951, Estella met and fell in love with Emmitt Woodley. To this union their son Steve Wendell was born. Later, Emmitt also passed away. Estella’s desire to continue learning kicked in once again. This time she decided to attend nursing school. Upon completion of her nurse’s training, she took a job with Blacks Nursing Home in Tulsa, OK. She did private house cleaning, and also continued her beautician work. She was a determined lady. This enabled her to help send her daughter to Langston University and her son to Eastern Michigan University. She was well pleased upon their graduation. She always felt that eduction was the key to success. At age 81 Estella had an opportunity to move to Norwalk California, where her son Steve and his family lived. She was very excited about helping take care of her grandson’s, Steve II and Quincy. Secretly, Estella had always wanted to live in California. She would say “the sun always shines in California” with a big smile on her face. She never missed an opportunity to try and convince her daughter and son-in-law that California is the only warm sunny place to live. At age 90, her thirst for knowledge kicked in once again. This time she wanted to acquire some computer skills. Her grandsons were using computers. So, she attended Norwalk City Senior Center, were computer classes were offered. She enjoyed driving until age 96 years young. At this point in her life, she thought everyone should know that she was driving better than most people in California and didn’t really need to stop. This was her argument when her adult children would try to get her to stop driving. At age 100, February 24th 2019, Estella was presented the Distinguished Centenarian Award by the Mayor of Los Angeles County, and a second award from the City of Norwalk, presented by the Mayor. Estella was aware that everyday was a gift from God. While some of the previous health issues became more prevalent with time and age, she continued enjoying life. On January 27 at 1:00 a.m. 2023 she sought permanent rest at age 103. Just one month shy of 104. She was a phenomenal woman. She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Linda Mae and son-in-law Clarence M. Bradfield, son, Steve Wendell Barnett Sr., and two grandson’s, Steve II and Quincy Alexander Barnett. Two great grand daughters, Carisa Raylene Barnett and Selene Ava Barnett. Significant others, Isabell Sanabia, Kimberly Garcia, Jeremy Lucena. Two sisters, Gladys Payne and Alma Grant, three half sisters, Oletha Barnett, Ruthie Barnett, Sharon Barnett, half brother Sylvester Barnett. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.