Ella M. (nee Moore) Boykin, the fifth child of the late Joseph and Ella (Bunting) Moore was born on December 28, 1942. The family lived in an area known as the "halfway house or country" Quinton Township, NJ

Ella was educated in Salem County, NJ. She attended Harmony School which was a one-room schoolhouse. Ella graduated from Salem High School. As a single parent, she attended Cumberland County Community College, Vineland, NJ  and graduated with honors  in 1975 with an Associates of Arts Degree. Ella was not content with her Associates of Arts Degree. She then relocated to Newark, Delaware. After a lengthy legal battle with the State of Delaware, she attended the University of Delaware as a College Examination Board Scholar and graduated from University of Delaware in 1977 with a dual degree Bachelor Science in Education and Journalism.

Ella had a rich employment history. Her early employment included Shranks and Theebers Sewing Factories, Bridgeton, NJ,  Cumberland County Library, and United Jersey Bank Bridgeton,NJ.  Ella fulfilled her mother's dream,  "You will be my little Mary Mcleoud Bethune." In 1977, she became an teacher of English at Vineland High School North which is known today as the Dennis Tanner Building until her retirement in July 2004. During tenure, Ella was an exemplary teacher, providing excellent classroom instruction, served as Black Student Union  club advisor, and started the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. She was also an AVID teacher and advisor for the AVID program. Ella was a supervisor of preservice teachers for the Master of Science program for Glassboro State College, now Rowan University. Internationally, she served as a consultant to the Minister of Education in Nigeria, Africa  and designed  curriculum for their schools and colleges.

Ella is known for her service at the local, county, and state levels. She was an active member and officer of the NAACP, New Jersey Association Of Black Educators, and City Of Vineland Planning Board. Ella was a  member of the  Board of Directors for Vision of Hope, as well as Vision of Hope Camp Director and Vision of Hope After-school Program Director .

Ella was a member of the Board of Directors for Cumberland County College Alumni Association and Advisory Board member for Cumberland County College EOF. She was appointed by the County Freeholders as a Cumberland County Arts Commissioner. Most importantly, she was one of the pioneers for the Vineland Martin Luther King,Jr. Academy.

Ella married Thomas Bell Jr. and from that union they raised three children Thomas, Anthony and Judith Louise. Ella later married the love of her life and soulmate, John A. Boykin III, the couple was married for 37 years. Five  children were added to this union: Vicki, Katherine Michelle, Gregory, Douglas, and Larry "Butch". Ella and John had a deep love for family, teaching, community service and travel.

Ella was a loving grandmother to her 18 grandchildren: Tony, Liz (Mel), Amber (Dathan), Asya, Autumn, Ayanna, Jermany, Jada, Nijall, Trevor, Kiara, Kassandra, Veronica, Dashon, Rayshon, Nakia, Amir and Shadi; 15 Great grandchildren: Emoni, Jamen, Mcyah, Silas, A'Meliah, Jackson, Shawn, Bre'Anna, Jazmin, Avrin,Wesley, Dashan, Suriyana, Rayven,and Nur.

Ella was affectionately known as "Belle" to many close to her. Ella was a loving, faithful and encouraging friend, teacher, mentor, and role model. Ella was resourceful. When  someone requested information she would either respond immediately or research to find the answer.  Ella was a walking book of knowledge and wisdom. She had a profound love of African  and African American history and culture. Ella's life will leave a legacy of love for us all to remember.

Most importantly, Ella loved God and New Bethel AME Church Vineland. She was a faithful member for over 40 years. She served as Steward for 40 years, Mervella Arthur WMS Church School Teacher, Church School Superintendent, Director of Christian Education. Doing the work of the Lord as a Steward and licensed missionary, Ella would visit the sick and shut in, at their home, local hospitals, nursing and Veterans homes.  She was a Bible scholar and prayer warrior. Ella's dedication, commitment, and faithfulness was greatly recognized under the leadership of Reverend Evelyn E. Booze. She was appointed by the Bishop of the First Episcopal AME District as a Trustee. Ella had extended church families where was loved and affectionately known as "Mother Boykin'' of Mt.Sinai Deliverance Church where Bishop George and Pastor Sheila Austin in Tacoma, Washington; All Nations House of Prayer Apostle Dr.Garfield and First Lady  Mary Curlin Hopkinsville, Kentucky; and First Baptist Church of Langhorne, PA, Rev. Dr. Charles Atkins, Interim Pastor.

Ella transitioned on Saturday, August 5, 2023 peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ella (Bunting) Moore,  sisters, Beatrice (Moore) Bentley, Isabell (Moore) Covey-Davis, Martha (Moore) Gould, brother Herman Johnson, brother-in-law Daniel Bartley, daughter Gwendolyn Bell , son-in-law Kevin Mosby, and great-granddaughter Adalynn Joi Fort.

Ella leaves to cherish her memory  and celebrate her life husband of 37 years John A. Boykin III and their children, Vicki Williams, Vineland, NJ; Thomas Bell III (Carla) Hopkinsville, KY; Anthony Bell (Nancy)BenSalem PA; Katherine Michelle Sanders (Jenerio) New Orleans LA; Judith Mosby Lakewood WA; Gregory Boykin (Zenaida) Vineland NJ; Douglas Boykin Hampton, VA;  and Larry "Butch" Boykin Mt Holly, NJ; and one God-son Steven Wayne Robinson (Katie) of Alloway, NJ.

Her beloved sister Marcella Bartley of Quinton, NJ and her big brother Joseph Moore, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA; her brothers Johnny Johnson of Bridgeton, NJ and The Rev. Daniel Johnson of Millville, NJ and her loving sister Beverly Brooks of Atlanta, GA; her sisters and brothers in laws: Ronnie Boykin Folsom ,NJ;Jake Boykin Bowie,MD;Pauline Ann Schneider Washington DC; Barbara Boykin Bridgeton,NJ; and Deb Greenberg (Bob)Millville, NJ.EIghteen grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends whom she loved dearly.