Ella Mae Pugh

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

Ella Mae Pugh transitioned to eternal rest on January 14, 2026 at Sentara General Hospital in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Ella was born April 21, 1941 to the late Wash Richburg and Mamie Pugh Josey in Manning, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her brother, Mr. Sammie Lee Pugh and half-sister, Mrs. Bertha Richburg Hilliard.

Ella was a loving and generous mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister and aunt. She was a proud graduate of Williston High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. Upon her marriage she moved with her spouse to Jamaica Queens, New York where she began her family and career. While living in New York, Ella furthered her education graduating from Queensborough College, Queens.  She was a lover of the arts; particularly Broadway productions and spoke often of all the cultural opportunities available in New York City. Upon her retirement from the federal government at age 55 she settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia where she created a lovely home, grew a beautiful garden, continued her avid reading, and enjoyed and witnessed her expanding family. 

She leaves in legacy to cherish her memories: one daughter, Sonya Renee Robinson-Woods, two grandchildren, Takoya Gordon and Zackiah Salone, six great grandchildren, X’Zavier Gordon, Makiah Salone, Zander Knoxs, Azaria Marabini, Mister Salone, Sir Salone, and two great-great grandchildren, Aries Gilliam and Hades Gilliam all of Virginia Beach, Virginia; one sister, Connie Josey Baker of Irvington, New Jersey.   Ella also is cherished by a special longtime family friend, Mr. James Daniels, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.