"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth." - Psalms 121: 1-2

Glenn Ella Marie Murphy was born to the parentage of Lee Henry and Maggie Murphy, on July 10, 1948. She attended HS Thompson Elementary, Sequoyah Middle School, Madison High School and was a graduate of Lincoln High School in 1966. Glenn Ella entered Prairie View A&M University in the fall of 1966, where she met her soon to be husband, Roy Gene Runnels. Glenn graduated from PVAMU in 1970 with a BS and earned her Masters in Education from PVAMU in 1976. She was a life member of the PVAMU National Alumni Association and a faithful donor to her alma mater and the Dallas PV Alumni Chapter.

Glenn Ella married Roy Runnels in 1971. To this union, they were blessed with 4 daughters, Kimberley Hellean Runnels, Trina Bernice Runnels Holloman, Ratonia Cheryl Runnels, Ph.D., and Joy Lavon Runnels, Ed.D.

Glenn Ella was born into the original Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist Church and was a faithful member until her passing. During her lifetime at Mount Horeb, she was a member of the Women's Mission Society, served as President of the Sojourners Mission Group and a member of the Busy Bees and Willing Workers Mission Groups. She was a Women's Sunday School Teacher, the Director of Vacation Bible School, the Director of the Baptist Training Union, and the Director of the Children's Ministry. Glenn Ella created and directed many youth programs, plays and activities bringing the youth closer to Christ.

Glenn Ella was a lifelong educator, beginning at South Oak Cliff High School as a science teacher and ending after 45 years of educating Dallas students. Her last 27 years of teaching were completed in her beloved South Dallas at Joseph J. Rhoads Elementary where she served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for Troop 2341, and in 2014 was awarded Teacher of the Year. She retired from the Dallas Independent School District in 2015. Glenn Ella was also a member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Incorporated. She served on the Good Street Learning Center Board of Directors and the Trinity Forest Homeowners Association Board.

Glenn Ella most enjoyed spending time with her family. She was an avid reader of the WORD, loved arts and crafts, and like her sister Lillie, she enjoyed shopping. If there were children around you could often find her playing catch, tossing a ball, or playing a game with them. In the early 1980s, Glenn Ella played softball with the neighborhood team, The Astros, and was also a troop leader for the Campfire Girls.

Glenn Ella touched the lives and the hearts of many with her encouraging words and generous spirit. She believed there was goodness in all men and was faithful to her Lord and Savior until her death.

Glenn Ella was proceeded in death by her parents, Maggie Hellean Murphy and Lee Henry Murphy, brothers Henry Dale Murphy (Ida Mae, also deceased) Lillie Murphy McGee (Don, also deceased), William Aubrey Murphy (Helen, also deceased), and John Alvin Murphy (Roberta, also deceased).

Glenn Ella leaves to cherish her memories; her husband Roy Gene, her daughters, Kimberley, Trina (Thomas Holloman III), Ratonia, Joy, her grandsons Sydney D. Holloman, Alaun D. Holloman, Khyleal

Kendall Harris, great-granddaughter Sage Ivy Holloman, her brothers David Lee Murphy (Shirley), Mack Vernon Murphy (Joyce) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.