Louella Magee Gatlin, a proud New Orleans native and beloved matriarch, passed away on August 7, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. She was a woman of warmth, strength, and style—known for her love of cooking, traveling, family time, and classic television favorites like In the Heat of the Night and The Andy Griffith Show. Above all, Louella cherished her role as a devoted mother and grandmother.
Born to the late Clity and Vonzo Magee, Louella is survived by her husband, Kelvin Gatlin; her loving daughter Karla Guss (Calvin Guss); grandsons Brandon and Nicholas Guss; her strong devoted son Michael James Jr. (Melaina James), and granddaughter Makenzie James; her forever baby Anthony James (Jessica Theus), and granddaughter Avery James. She also leaves behind her siblings Marva Magee, Gloria Magee, and Joseph Magee Sr, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Louella’s personality was as vibrant as her wardrobe—an unapologetic fashionista with a love for seafood, red beans and rice, and all the BBQ you could cook. She adored being spoiled by her children and left a lasting impression on every heart she touched. Her devotion to God and her family was unwavering, and her impeccable heart radiated love and honesty.
True to her wishes, Louella will not have a traditional funeral. Instead, her life will be celebrated in a gathering of close family and friends who knew and loved her. Details of this celebration will be shared privately.
Louella Magee Gatlin will be forever missed, but her legacy of love, laughter, and bold spirit will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Britny Magee August 14, 2025
Niece New Orleans , Louisiana
I will miss the laughter , we shared together. I love you for eternity. Don’t tell nobody but your my favorite Aunt.lol Love you T-Ella.. You Rest In Paradise Queen.
Christopher Theus & family August 14, 2025
Family Friend Red Oak , Texas
RIPWJC forever
Christopher Theus & family August 14, 2025
Family Friend Red Oak , Texas
RIPWJC forever
Patricia Brooks August 14, 2025
Family fy New Orleans , Louisiana
I am so sorry for your loss,praying for you,keep your hand in gods hand.Remember he will put no more on you than you can bear.Love you guys.
Mr. Aubert & Mia Cannon August 14, 2025
Family Friends Desoto , Texas
A message to the family, Condolences to you all, He who made her shall have her back.. God only loan us his beautiful child for the time he places upon us… Continue to remember the Love and Happiness you shared with Ms.Lou… Blessings and Prayers to each of you. Take care🙏🏽
Janice Hughes August 14, 2025
Family cousin in law Natchez , Mississippi
My condolences and prayers to your family. Ella was kind, gentle, and most of all a BEAUTIFUL person. My love for her will never fade. I’m Ms. Henrietta daughter!
Tonicka willis August 15, 2025
Friend Fort Worth , Texas
Condolences to you and your family, she may have gained her wings but her memories lives on through the each moment that was shared….
Laura Theus August 15, 2025
Family friend SeaTac , Washington
I am honored to have met this beautiful woman. I seen the strength in this family by her love for her children and grandchildren. To see the love that they gave her and made sure that she was taken care of. I see you in all of your children and to know how blessed you are.
Young-Marshall Tomeka August 15, 2025
Friend of Karla Slidell , Louisiana
Prayers to the Family
Bridgette Boudreaux August 15, 2025
Friend New Orleans , Louisiana
Karla, I met your Mother, Louella, at your home when bringing my daughter to you as her hairstylist. We had fun laughing & watching movies, she was a joy to be around & you too were so close. I’m so sorry of the loss of your Mother. You and your family have my condolences. May God give you strength & hold on to all your beautiful memories together. Be Blessed, Bridgette Boudreaux, Jaune’ Boudreaux
Tisha R Davis August 15, 2025
Friend Baton Rouge , Louisiana
I'm so sorry for your loss Karla I know how close you were your mom always treated me good my prayers goes out to you and your family
Jeanette Oladipupo August 15, 2025
Friend Laurel , Maryland
My deepest condolences to the family. I have been knowing Ella for a long time we have laughed and we love Food. We have tried it all all the new menus. rest Easy, beautiful queen.💞
Henrietta August 15, 2025
Aunt-In-Law Natchez , Mississippi
The thought of never seeing you are being able to talk to you again really makes my heart ❤️ sad. You were one who once you became a part of someone’s life you were always a part of it. I love ❤️ you and you will always have a special place in my heart. Rest In Peace Ella we all love ❤️ you but God loves you more. He needed another light and flower to add to His Garden and He chose you.
Henrietta August 15, 2025
Aunt-In-Law Natchez , Mississippi
The thought of never seeing you are being able to talk to you again really makes my heart ❤️ sad. You were one who once you became a part of someone’s life you were always a part of it. I love ❤️ you and you will always have a special place in my heart. Rest In Peace Ella we all love ❤️ you but God loves you more. He needed another light and flower to add to His Garden and He chose you.
Tina M Magee August 27, 2025
Your only bro💙 oldest daughter 🥰 Lake Charles , Louisiana
Tee Ella I love 😘 you and going miss 💯 your beautiful ❤️ smile your big bro💙is a cry 😭😢 baby when it comes down to his baby 🍼 sis🪽🪽🪽#foreverTeeella🥰🪽🥰
Edith Magee Brandon September 08, 2025
Friend New Orleans , Louisiana
To Louella's family - I'm so sorry to hear of Louella's passing. However, I'm glad that God allowed this beautiful soul to be apart of my life journey. I got to know Louella through my sister, Claudia, who is of the same age. They were thick as thieves back in the day. We always claimed Louella and her family as our cousins, since we shared the last name of Magee. I'm sure we were related some where down the line. I was always the little sister/cousin that always wanted to follow Claudia and Louella around. My mom took to Louella as well and Louella loved her some Mudear. We all had lots of fun and created great memories that will always be cherished. Love you cousin!!! Rest well!!