Bayless Ellison

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bayless Lynette Fowler Ellison, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. Born in Austin, Texas, on July 1, 1948, Bayless was a compassionate and loving soul who left a lasting mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Her charisma and wit were the spark that lit up every room she entered, her laughter a song that will forever echo in our hearts, and her feistiness a force to keep us on our toes! In the words of Aretha Franklin in one of Bayless’s favorite songs Respect, “Find out I’m gone, I got to have (just a little bit), A little respect.” Bayless exemplified this sentiment, always reminding her children and grandchildren: “I am the mother” and “I am the grandmother”.

She graduated from the original LC Anderson High School in 1966 and went on to study nursing. Bayless dedicated her professional life to the care of others, working at local hospitals in Austin, Texas. But it was her family that mattered most to Bayless. She was a loyal and strong woman of God, whose loving presence was the cornerstone of her family. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, attending family events, and expressing her love through her delicious cooking.

Sibling Happy Memories: Dowd recalls that Bayless and her twin were entrepreneurs in their early teens, offering babysitting services to the neighborhood; and they spent many hours riding bikes and skating around the Rosewood/Chicon area of East Austin. One time Harrell was upstairs in the tub bathing and the twins were knocking at the door and he didn’t want to get out to let them in; later he got a whoopin’ for that! When infant brother Layton was near death from pneumonia, PeeWee recalls the twins being by their mother’s side to help care for him. After Bayless married Roby, the Air Force moved them to Florida, which made Layton sad, but he has fond memories of her letting him joyride in their car when they visited. Fayless looks back on all the great times she spent with her twin as the best part of growing up, especially visits to the Wilson family home in Giddings, where they met up with Houston cousins and gathered eggs from the chicken coop, spent hours outside, and swam in the local pond. Bayless’s own favorite memory was riding a horse named Lucy there, where she jumped right on without a saddle!

Bayless was preceded in death by her loving father, Dowd Fowler, Jr., and her dear husband Henry Lee Ellison. She is survived by her sons Keneth Andre Fowler (Francesca) and Clinton Lee Fowler; grandchildren Andrena, Kendrick, Tristan, Daeza, Braelon, Rani, SheVonne, and Elliot Vernell); great grandchildren Jax, Violet, and Kal; sister Fayless Turner; brothers Dowd Fowler, III, Harrell Fowler, Van Quincy Fowler (who affectionately goes by PeeWee), and Layton Fowler (Johnnie); and a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and cousins.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

King-Tears Mortuary
1300 East 12th St.
Austin, Texas, 78702

• Public Visitations: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Friday, October 18, 2024

Mt Zion Baptist Church
2938 East 13th St.
Austin, Texas, 78702

• Public Visitations: 10:00 am
• Funeral Church Service: 11:00 am
Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery
14501 North IH 35
Pflugerville, Texas, 78660

• Burial: 1:00 pm

*Central Standard Time (CST)

We encourage all who knew Bayless to leave memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Each memory shared will serve as a comfort to her family and a testament to her unforgettable spirit. Bayless will always live on in our hearts and our stories.