Ella M. Chester

Ella M. Chester was born on January 25, 1943, in Trenton, NJ to Gussie and Ike Chester. Ella grew up in East Trenton attending elementary and middle schools and Trenton Central High School. Ella aspired to pursue a license in cosmetology in Chicago, but her heart won out when she fell in love and married William C. Brickers, Jr., affectionately known as “Nukie.” Delaying her educational and professional plans, she began living the whirlwind life of a military wife, traveling across the country with her husband as they began raising a family. In a span of six years the young family relocated three times from Las Vegas, Nevada to Sacramento, California and Arlington, VA. They would eventually be transferred to the McGuire Airforce base in New Jersey before returning to live in Trenton.

Ella’s greatest ride was being a mother of three, a responsibility she took seriously. Protective, she often told her children, “I brought you into this world and it is my job to keep you safe until you can take care of yourself.” Ella began working nights at the Lawrenceville Nursing Home. Within a year she was hired at Trenton Psychiatric hospital working in the Adolescence Unit. With her children growing older and more independent she decided to revisit the pursuit of her dream to become a licensed cosmetologist. She first headed back to school to complete her high school education. However, no longer hovered over the dining room table checking her children’s homework, she now sat at the table completing her own. Ella managed to care for her children, husband, and home all while attending night school. In 1977, she received her high school diploma then went on to complete her instructional hours working in the department store salons at Macy’s and JC Penney’s. Those settings afforded her with the chance to master hair cutting of various curl patterns and textures.

Ella received the top score on the cosmetology licensure exam in New Jersey and secured a position as a beautician at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital. In love with her profession and eager to continue learning she traveled to hair shows, learned new techniques and about Black hair products. When a supervisory position opened requiring more responsibility and oversight of the barbers, so her returned to school to obtain a barber’s license.

Working at the hospital, doing hair on the side for family and friends as well as entertaining was Ella’s expression of living her best life. Her life was filled with the things that she loved. She was a faithful member of Galilee Baptist Church where she served on the usher board. Additionally, she was active in her community and as an Eastern Star. After her retirement in 1998, Ella enjoyed train trips to Harlem, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., shopping and attending shows with friends. Her last years were spent decorating her home and preparing the yard for the next cookout. And when she could no longer do it herself…. she supervised.

Ella was predeceased by her sister Louise McBride. She leaves behind her beloved daughters, Simona L. Brickers, Darlene A. Smith (Bradley Walker), son Darnell Brickers, grandchildren Shamar Tarver, Chaudiah Brickers, Kayla C. Smith, Ziayr Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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