Happy Heavenly Birthday!

Love ya,

Val

Hi Ella,

This is your one and only husband Diola Bagayoko, wishing you a peaceful, serene, and fulfilling birthday. "The Children and our four (4) grand children are doing very well- thanks to your great work with the former."

Diola Bagayoko, Ph.D.
SU System Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Physics
Director Emeritus of the Timbuktu Academy
 

Hi Ella,

This is your husband, DIola Bagayoko wishing you a happy birthday. I visited you today and shared the picture with the children.  "The children are doing very well indeed, thanks to the great work you did in raising them."

Diola Bagayoko

You inspired me. Thank you for the kindness and patience you showed to me.

Sincerely,

Kellie Green

Hi Ella:

This is your husband, Diola, letting you know that our children and their children as doing very well. Kelley's adorable daughter is partly named after my mother. Amelie Nagnouma (Kind mother) is her name. On July 15, 2021, I will be going to Alaska to see Namory and family and to also meet Kelley and family there. I am not sure if William will be there, but he has been in touch with the rest of us.

With Love, Diola Bagayoko

Missing you dearly.

Love,
Val
Your Other Daughter

Hi Ella,

This is your chairman husband Diola. I am delighted to report to you that our only Daughter, Kelley ELizabeth Bagayoko-Adams gave birth to a healthy, beautiful, and charming girl on Saturday, 10.03.2020, in the morning. Kelley and Tim have not yet selected a name. When they do, I will tell you. I will also get them to upload some photos here, at your Web site. THIS GREAT NEWS IS TO WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY, 10/05/2020. 

Diola Bagayoko, Your Husband

Happy 71st Birthday Dean,

I miss you dearly.

Love, your other daughter, Val

Hi Ella,
This is your loving husband, Dr. Diola Bagayoko. I am letting you know that the children and grand children are coming home for Christmas. I will let you know how the celebration goes, particularly with the grand children. We love you abundantly.
Your Husband Diola

Hello Dean,
Words cannot express how much I miss you. I think about you often, and I still have the wreath you gave me, hanging on my front door. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for having been a part in my life. Thank you for believing in me when I found it difficult to believe in myself. For saying what I needed to hear instead of what I wanted to hear. Thank you for trusting and for knowing you could depend on me, and for asking me for help when you needed it. Thank you for always being honest with me, being kind to me, and being there for me. Thank you for being a friend to me in so many meaningful ways.
You are truly missed...Love, your other daughter, Valery

Dear Ella,
This is Diola, your husband. On this birthday of yours, I just wanted to provide you with some updates. Specifically, our biological Children are doing very well. Namory, Courtney, your name sake Ella, and Nawali are happily enjoying Alaska. Dr. Namory Bagayoko and Dr. Courtney Weathersby-Bagayoko are both working at a hospital in Anchorage, Kelley, Tim, and I visited them in late July and earl y August, in 2018. Attorney Kelley Bagayoko-Adams and her husband, Timothy Adams, are doing very well in Cincinnati, Ohio, where both are working. Kelley put aside the law degree (but maintains her license) to become an educator. She is an Assistant Principal in a good school. Kelley and Tim have their house you wanted them to have! William Cherif recently visited Cincinnati for a Tennis Tournament. He spent one knight at the house of Kelley and Tim, at their invitation. He is doing very well and is still working for a national insurance company as a computer scientist.
As for me, I am still a Southern University System Distinguished Professor of Physics, Chancellor's Fellow, and the Dean of the Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College! Yes, my dear, immediately upon your retirement (including from the deanship of the Honors College) and your leaving us, I went to the administration to let everyone know that cutting the budget of the Honors College, reducing it to a program, or appointing a dean who did not distinguish her/himself in teaching, research, mentoring, and service [like the two previous deans B Wade and Ella Kelley] are things I will fight with all the ferocity I can have. You see, in your absence, I had to stand up and care for our "academic children" who are the Honors College students, in addition to our biological ones and the Scholars of the Timbuktu Academy and of the Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP). Following my expression of the above position, the administration, out of its infinite wisdom, decided to appoint me as the dean. Trust me, my dear Ella, the College is doing very well and growing.
Infinite Love.
Diola Bagayoko, Ph.D., Your Husband
10-05-2018

To: My dearest friend Ella

Yesterday, Sunday May 14, 2017 was Mother's Day. I thought of you during my Pastor's message, "Unconditional Love." How I miss you and your words of wisdom. I wish you could see Alesi's daughter Raea, my granddaughter. She is so beautiful; 6 months old now.           I look forward to the day when I shall behold your face again.

My dear sister-in-Christ, I celebrated another birthday. Ella, how I miss those conversations we would have every November 7th. I always feel your presence at the cemetery, so I had to go to you since you can't come to me. Realizing my dread of the aging process and having to face my own mortality, you always found the right words to cheer me up., I can still hear your voice: "I am right behind you Rosemary." I admired you so much my dearest friend. I celebrated the birth of my 1st grandchild, a girl. Alesi named her Raea Satori. She is so beautiful! Today, I went to an interview for a Hospital Chaplain at BRGMC Mid City. Following that interview, I walked that long corridor at the hospital for the 2nd time. The 1st time was after they covered the face of my beautiful daughter and told me they could not revive her; the 2nd time was after leaving you not knowing if I would never see you again. But, you know what? Each time I celebrate another year of living, the pains of this life become easier to bear. The pain of awakening next to my mother only to discover she had died in her sleep. The pain of my brother dying after falling out of the bed at the hospital, the pain of our losing all of our earthly possessions in the flood of 8/13. As you admonished me, I am now active in the Sorority, in the church and in the community.  Kelley said: "Ms. Rosemary, my mother lived the life that most people only talk about." And so, my dear Ella, each and every day, I ask the Lord to help me to so live that I may leave the kind of legacy that you did when I pass on. From this day forward, as always, I shall do everything that you told me to do." I am right behind you Ella."

Hi Ella:

This is your one and only husband Diola Bagayoko wishing you a happy birthday. Even though we can non longer do together, face to face, those things we used to do on your birthday, we certainly can wallow in the very fond memories and do everything in spirit.

Incidentally, I made a $365 donation to WRKF today, in your honor. At my surprise, they announced it on the radio during the 5 PM news and said that the gift was in your honor. I told the lady who took my call that you routinely told me to give $1 a day. Well, I did it again.

Our biological children and those of our extended family in the Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College are all doing very well. Of course, I am urging them to prepare themselves to be nationally competitive.

With infinite love,

Your Diola

Hi Ella,

The response to your question as to "How are the children?" is that they are doing very well. I am in touch with Namory Djigui and Kelley Elizabeth and have news of William Chérif through social media.
On the first anniversary (July 9, 2016) of your transition to a well-deserved eternal felicity and beatitude, before I came to see you at the mausoleum, I talked to Namory, Courtney, and our grand children (the twin Ella Araminta and Nawali Bagayoko). Kelley and her husband Tim (Mr. Timothy Adams) spent this week with me here, in Baton Rouge. Your name sake is now walking (and talking) and her younger brother, Nawali, started to follow her steps!

Additionally, I have been serving as the interim dean (August -December, 2015) and as dean (January 2016 to present) of the Dolores Margaret Richard (D. M. R.) Spikes Honors College of which you were the Dean up to your retirement in June 2015. Hence, I have been taking a very good care of the children in our extended family. I managed to get a significant increase in funding in order for the D. M. R. Spikes Honors College to partake in state, regional, and national Honors college conferences. We made it up to the "sweet sixteen" in the Honda All Star Campus Challenge championship competition. Had it not been for an error in the organization, we would most likely have won the championship in the 2016 competition. So, please rest well, all the children are doing very well.

Love,
Diola Bagayoko, Ph.D.
Your proud husband whose only wife has been and will remain you, and you alone.

The Late Dr. Ella L. Kelley will be honored tomorrow, Friday, September 25, 2015, by the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), with a Lifetime Achievement Award, posthumously. Dr. Kelley (Ella for me, her husband) has been a loyal member of NOBCChE as far back as I can remember. She regularly attended the national, annual conference of NOBCChE and actively partook in most activities of the local chapter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Kelley coordinated the Timbuktu Academy’s Science Bowl teams for close to a decade. Ms. LaDeta Crowley, Mr. George Ware, and Dr. Kelley were the competent head coaches that trained these teams, with the assistance of some devoted parents, to multiple, national Science Bowl championships at annual conferences of NOBCChE. [Dr. Kelley co-founded (1990-91) and co-directed (1990-2015) the Timbuktu Academy; www.phys.subr.edu/timbuktu.htm] As I write this note, I am looking at five (5) NOBCChE Science Bowl championship trophies won by senior teams of the Timbuktu Academy. A special mention is in order for the 2006 national NOBCChE Science Bowl competition where three senior teams of the Academy set a record that cannot be surpassed: They won the first, second, and third place Science Bowl Awards! Also on my desk are trophies for two first place awards earned by junior teams of the Academy. Dr. Kelley loved to attend NOBCChE meetings, and that above all other conferences or gatherings – except, perhaps, the national conventions of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated! I still vividly recall her joy at the Centennial Celebration of Delta Sigma Theta, in Washington, D.C., in the company of her “Soror,” our daughter Attorney Kelley Elizabeth Bagayoko. Her love for NOBCChE was deeply rooted in the work of NOBCChE for the education, mentoring, and overall professional development of the next generation of scientists and engineers, with an emphasis on those who belong to under-represented groups, like African Americans.

Diola Bagayoko
the Proud Husband of the Late Dr. Ella L. Kelley

Lighting a candle for you Cousin Ella Lee and all the other members of the Lillie Jackson Young family who have gone on to be with the Lord. Until we meet again...

Dr. Kelley, you are clearly a gem in this world, and we will forever miss you. You touched so many lives, both personally and professionally, including those of my two daughters who went through your programs and are now pursuing scientific careers.  You have made such a difference at Southern University, especially in the lives of the young people you empowered. I especially enjoyed my membership in the women's investment club, and I am glad you reached out to me and invited me. Rest in peace my dear friend. I am sure the Lord is saying "Well Done, My Faithful Servant".

I had the privilege to work with Dr. Ella L. Kelley in the QEP committee for the SACS accreditation. We both were Co-Chairs. I was amazed and impressed by the professionalism, effectiveness, and cooperation of Dr. Kelley. Her composer and ability to help or assist, work, and communicate with people, Students, Faculty, Staff, and Administrators is unique and exceptional. I remember how she handled the SH and NS case for a student in one of my classes; it was professionally well handled and unbiased. Dr. Ella L. Kelley will always be missed. My deep condolences goes to the Bagayoko family and loved ones.

Dr. Mathieu Kourouma

Dr. Kelley's life illuminated and rekindled the lives of many youths through the zeal and fortitude she used in developing, managing Timbuktu Academy and Honors College programs at Southern University. She will truly be missed. On a personal note I am thankful our paths crossed as her engagement of my children in Timbuktu academy programs has been instrumental for the success of my children in their STEM related careers. Let us remember her by continuing her life's work in fostering educational programs for the success of underrepresented minorities in STEM.

An Inspirational Lady!!

From the first moment I met Dr. Kelley during the summer of 1992 as a Summer Science Institute (SSI) participant, she has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement to me. When I chose nursing as my major and was no longer a SSI student, Dr. Kelley continued to keep her arms around me. She assisted me with employment through work studies and also assisted me with becoming a summer counselor for SSI.....all of this and I was no longer a part of Timbuktu Academy as a student.

During my time at SU, she constantly embraced and congratulated me as I obtained both my BSN & MSN from there. After a few years of me not visiting SU, I went back to let her know that I earned my doctorate. Guess what? She still remembered me by face and name with no reminders. She was like a mom away from home. Dr. Kelley, I will truly miss you and will really feel in empty space every time I go to SU because I know that one of the people whom I always visit when I make it back will no longer be there. 

May your light continue to shine brightly!! You are certainly a gift from God.....an Angel that God allowed us to have here on Earth. I am so sorry that our Angel has been called home, but I know you are in a great place.

Love,

Wronetta Charles
SSI 1992

I had the honor of working with Dr.Kelley while serving on the SAACS Committe. I was inspired by her dedication, wisdom, attention to detail, and superb leadership skills. I believe I learned many useful skills from her. I am saddened to hear that she is no more. A tragic loss to all who knew her. My sincerest condolences to her family during this difficult time.

Dear Dr. Kelley, just as your light continues to shine in our lives, your memory will always remain in our hearts.
I was greatly saddened that you had to leave us so soon. You have been a strong positive role model for me since I became a student at SUBR, a source of inspiration; your kindness and support has been an oasis in my life. May GOD grant you eternal life. Amen.

I remember meeting Dr.Ella Kelley as a freshman at Southern University. I was at my lowest point and struggling to stay a float financially. I was an out of state student as well as a Biology Major. Dr. Kelley immediately took me under her wing and placed me in the LS-LAMP program where I met Dr. Bagayoko. He always preached his Law Of Human Performance.....Every Seminar! Dr.Kelley's compassion and faith in me motivated me to strive and work hard no matter what! She told me never expect the worst always aim for the impossible. I love you and send my payers to your family

Taylor S. Washington Southern University and A&M College Class of 2017

It is an unreal feeling anytime you lose someone who has been a part of your life. I met Dr. Kelley when I was in high school. My relationship with Dr. Kelley began with the Timbuktu Academy. I started with the Summer Science Institute and later the Summer Bridge Institute. Once I began my studies at Southern University, I was a part of the Timbuktu Academy as an undergraduate (majoring in physics). Dr. Kelley and Dr. Bagayoko expected and demanded excellence from students. You were pushed to discover yourselves as young adults, academics, and future professionals. Dr. Kelley was smart, humble, compassionate, and firm. She was a guiding force in the Timbuktu Academy. Dr. Kelley literally willed students to the next level and did not accept “I don’t know or I can’t.” I remember learning that “You must and you will.” I truly was blessed to be surrounded by educators who cared about whether or not you actually knew the information. It was not simply about just getting by or just having the accolades. It was about earning and deserving the right to have the accolades. I learned a lot and as I continue to grow, the more my perspective returns to where it all began and to the people who helped to shape it like Dr. Kelley. She has left a remarkable legacy behind as a powerful reminder of strength and character. To her loving family, you have my deepest condolences and my best wishes. Despite everything, there is still beauty in this moment because Dr. Kelley has been welcomed into God’s paradise. Be Blessed.

Dr. Kelley, I met you late in life; that was such an unfortunate thing for me. You are a gentle, kind, caring soul--just the type of person that our students need. You are such a loss for them. Yet, God wants beautiful flowers, too. He looked down over His garden and picked one of the most beautiful blooming flowers and selected you for a special place in His garden. You are loved and will be dearly missed by all.

Even in death, your legacy and the lives you impacted will stand as a testimony to your loving, caring, and nurturing nature. You were the first professor to take me under your guidance. As a freshman International student, I needed every bit of your mentorship and guidance to cope with my new environment. As a mentor, you were easily accessible and ready to listen. Enormous amount of effort were put in by you to address any challenges I may have had. You were a blessing throughout my years in SU. I am forever thankful and appreciative of the impact you had in my life. You will be greatly missed. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet again. Adieu!

My dear Dr. Kelly I am still in shock. I can not imagine not seeing you at the Southern University graduation ceremony. The honor students that you referred to us at the Ag center have been the best. As a member of Early Risers Kiwanis I always admired your leadership , involvement and your care for humanity.  You were an inspiration to all of us specially the ladies in the club.  My dear Dr. Kelly I am going to miss you very much. Rest in peace. Love Fatemeh

More than just a professor
Shared by John White on 07/14/2015

I will always cherish the brief but impacting encounters that I shared with Dr. Kelley. She reminded me of my late grandmother in her guidance, leadership, intelligence, and motherly love. As a former student she challenged me to be the best I can be and more to do well in her chemistry class, which in turn helped me to do well during my remaining time at SU. I'm grateful for her genuine interest in our future endeavors and thankful for your help and encouragement to make our dreams a reality. God bless.

Final Arrangements Entrusted to:

Hall Davis & Sons Funeral Home
9348 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 778-1612

Friday, July 17th
Viewing - 1:00pm-5:00pm
Family Hour - 4:00pm-5:00pm
Wake and Reflections - 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Location
Hall Davis & Sons
9348 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Saturday, July 18th
Viewing - 10:00am-12:00pm
Omega Omega Service - 11:00am
Funeral Program - 12:00pm

Location
Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church
1414 Sora Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Internment to follow immediately

Repast - 3:00pm

Location
Baton Rouge Sigma Life Development Center
688 Harding Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Ella was a dear friend, a true inspiration, and a mentor. She was a down to earth person who wanted to bring others closer to her. She always insisted that I call her Ella and would be reluctant to respond if I addressed her as Dr. Kelley. This was because she wanted me to feel free in her presence and to regard her as a colleague and a friend in spite of her esteemed status as a highly accomplished senior faculty member. She and her husband Dr. Bagayoko played a major role in my career advancement and personal growth. She encouraged me to have a balanced life and to always view things positively. Dr. Kelley helped mentor my son Zolile who at that time was a very shy high school student trying to find his way in life. His time in Timbuktu Academy turned his life around. Today, he is on track to graduate from the SU Architecture Program in December 2015. My family and I will be forever grateful for the time we had with her. Ella, my dear friend, I will miss you greatly but I know that you are in a better place. May your soul rest in eternal peace with our Savior Jesus Christ. Fulbert and I continue to keep Dr. Bagayoko and the rest if the family in our thoughts and prayers. May the Almighty God comfort you in this time of deep loss.

My Guardian Angel at SU
Shared by amber jarrell on 07/14/2015

Dr. Kelley has greatly impacted my life as I pursued my degree at SU. I had the privilege of being one of her students in her general chemistry class during my freshman year in college. Even though I was a biology major she accepted me with open arms. Dr. Kelley was very interested in her students' career goals. She was aware I had aspirations of becoming a physician someday. One day after chemistry class she asked me what were my plans for the upcoming summer. At that time I didn't quite understand the extra steps I needed to take to become a competitive applicant for medical school. Dr. Kelley enforced the importance of remaining focused and keeping my eye on the prize in the midst of my involvement on campus. She told me exactly who I needed to talk to in regards to summer enrichment programs. That same summer I had the opportunity of participating in the Summer Medical and Dental Education program at UT Houston. I know for a fact I would not have had the opportunity to participate in that life changing program without Dr. Kelley's advice and encouragement. Throughout my matriculation at SU she continued to provide guidance. She helped me prepare for the MCAT and she even wrote a letter of recommendation to medical school on my behalf. Unfortunately, I never got the opportunity to tell her I finally got accepted into medical school and I will be starting this fall. I am forever grateful for the wisdom she has provided me throughout my academic endeavors. She pushed me towards my greatest potential when I didn't even know I could do it. Dr. Kelley will surely be missed and her legacy at SU will live forever.

Ella,

Your exit was so sudden and unexpected for me, I am still in a state of shock! Our paths crossed on a daily basis between James and Lee Hall. College of Sciences meetings, programs, Center for Energy and Env. Studies' (CEES) engagements, my Interdisciplinary Approach to Teaching Science LaSIP funded project of which you were an important and integral part, our forever association at the Honor's Day program, your support of my long-term Earth day's week-long, University-wide program and a host of other areas like Faculty senate are unforgettable!!! I always had great admiration for your values, concurrence with your high standards and regard for our genuine friendship at all times during all these years until my retirement party at the BTR Crowne Plaza in 2011...after which we only met a few times. I am very thankful for these years of enrichment and will treasure countless memories that I shared with you and your family! May you achieve the highest rewards from God in the hereafter for your selfless services and genuine support of every worthy endeavor, Amen!!!! Love...respect and appreciation.