Ednola A. Dale

Ednola Dale, age 74, passed away Monday, August 1, 2022.  She was also known as “Ms. Dale,” “Dawg,” “Grandma,” and “Mommy.”  Grandma was a tough and formidable force, who was an embodiment of self-expression.

She was born on February 17, 1948 in East Saint Louis, into a highly religious family. She graduated from both a catholic and a public high school. Despite this abrasive conditioning she still found the strength to be her authentic self, whilst keeping her love for the creator. She came out about her sexuality in her younger years. She then left her old life behind to begin her new life. In this new life, she always made sure to extend her kindness to anyone in need.

Grandma always protected us and anyone she considered her family. Every Thanksgiving she would cook a lot of food and her special homemade macaroni. We all loved it so much; it was usually the first thing we finished. Grandma also loved pumpkin pie very much, even if it wasn’t Thanksgiving, she would always have some in the fridge. Her favorite foods were Captain Crunch cereal, egg rolls, cheesecake, and a lot of sweets!

During the time I got to spend with her (which was almost every day of my life), I noticed she loved observing people. Grandma would always play games on her phone and have the TV on as background noise. The Voice, Naked and Afraid, The Price Is Right, and more would always be on. While this was on you would see her frequently looking up, observing you.  I never understood, and I would get irritated. Now I know she just loved us as much as we loved her. And she did love her grandkids a lot!

If no one got you anything for your birthday, Ednola Dale would. Grandma would play her numbers every day, multiple times a day. But she was never selfish. Anything she won, we too would reap the benefits.

Grandma loved sitting outside on the porch, listening to music, and basking in the sun. She also had a black grill she would cook on when it was warm. She hated the cold. But she loved gossiping and laughing on the phone with her friends. Her friendships and relationships were filled with longevity and an abundance of happiness.

She was born to Ethel Sylvester and David Dale Jr. Her siblings include Willie Butler, Sanchez Sylvester, Myra Ward, and Ruth Sylvester.

She left behind sons, Erik Dale, Jawanaza Diop, and Erron Dale; daughter, Ebbonee Elaine Dale; grandchildren, Levonda Brown, Micaela Price, Latianna Walker, Erron Dale-Rose, Amir Dale, Amaya Diop, Zahari Dale, Yarell Dale, Loyalty Dale, and Honesty Dale; her “dawgs,” Debrah Brown, Toby Nallen, Phillis Evans, and Derrick Ellison; Godchildren, Dawn Nallen, Bretta Nallen, and Jim Nallen; with honorable mention of Elaine and Bunny.

What a legacy, what a life. I invite you to keep grandma alive in your hearts. We were each touched by her presence, and we are better because of that. Thank you for being here and making her life so meaningful.

“She did stuff unconditionally.  We didn't even realize how much she was doing behind the scenes.” – Ebbonee Dale, daughter

“People said I was the ‘favorite child.’  I just remember her accepting me no matter what.” – Erron Dale, son  

“Grandma was always an inspiration to me.  She inspired me to be myself, pursue my goals and dreams, and have true compassion for others. I wouldn't be the person I am today without her. Because of her, my mom always had a helping hand. Ednola Dale, Ms. Dale, Dawg, Grandma, and Mommy is, and will always be, missed and remembered.” – Latianna Walker, granddaughter

Private arrangements for the family.

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