Ella Ruth Shavers

A woman who was destined to make her mark on education, touching the lives of thousands of youngsters both in and out of the classroom was born on May 10, 1922 to John Wesley and Vera Dillard in Harrison County, Texas. They named her Ella Ruth. She attended elementary school at a historic Rosenwald School and later Pemberton High School, both in Marshall, Texas. Staying close to home for her collegiate education, she earned a bachelor’s degree from a historic HBU, Bishop College in Marshall.

She married Maurice Shavers in August, 1944; and the couple was blessed with one child: a daughter born October 19, 1949. They named her Addie Diane.

A consummate educator who leaves a laudable legacy, Mrs. Shavers began her teaching career at Sweet Home School in Hallsville, Texas. Then, she moved to the Fredonia Elementary School, a school for blacks in the Fredonia Independent School District; she later taught English at C.B. Dansby High School, also an all black school; it was in the Kilgore Independent School District. After integration, she became a teacher at Kilgore ISD’s Maude Laird Middle School; her retirement ended a lifetime of encouraging students to be their best selves, despite obstacles and challenges they faced; she proudly watched many of her former students morph into leaders in their communities and outstanding professionals in their chosen fields, becoming distinguished educators, doctors, attorneys and the like.

A longtime member of the East Cotton Street Church of Christ, she was involved in numerous church ministries and programs including ladies day and vacation Bible school. Her altruistic bent led her to engage in Christian activities beyond the walls of the church as she worked with organizations like Caring and Sharing.

Her loved ones who passed on before her include her husband, Maurice; sister, Zumella Hill; and her brothers, Frederick “Bo” Dillard and John Richard Dillard. Those who will continue to cherish  the rich legacy she bequeathed them are: her beloved daughter, Addie Diane; her nieces, Camille DeVance, Shirley Taylor, and Margie Blizzard; her nephews, Morris Dillard, Marverick Dillard, and John Wesley Dillard. Other survivors include great nieces, great nephews and other relatives at Bear Spring Church of Christ. Also, scores of friends are impacted by the loss of this wonderful centenarian.

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