Ella Ruth Jackson-McDade was born on November 22, 1944, in Dallas, Texas, to the parents of Roberta and Bonner Jackson.  She attended and graduated from Pierce High School in Dallas, Texas.  She resided in California for 38 years, where she was a faithful servant of God and active disciple at Rock of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California, where she served over 25 years in outreach ministry.

She met and married Samuel McDade (who preceded her in death). To this union, no children were born.  Also, preceding her in death three sisters: Barbara Ann McGuire, Isabelle Coleman, and Pearlie Mae Johnson and six brothers: Harold Jackson, T.C. Jackson, L.T. Jackson, A.J. Jackson, Odie Jackson, Nathaniel Jackson.

She leaves to celebrate her life two brothers: LB Jackson of Dallas, Texas and Romey Jackson of Desoto, Texas; two sisters: Marie Parker of Dallas, Texas, and Polly Warren of Joshua, Texas. She also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews that remain to tell of her legacy.