Obituary of Ella “Cookie” Hagins

Ella Louise “Cookie” Hagins
Sunrise: February 14, 1948 – Ocala, Florida
Sunset: January 3, 2025 – Rochester, New York

Ella Louise “Cookie” Hagins was born on February 14, 1948, in Ocala, Florida, to the late Nathaniel Hagins and Jannie Hagins. She peacefully transitioned on January 3, 2025, in Rochester, New York, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and family that will live on through generations.

Ella dedicated over 30 years of faithful service to the University of Rochester Medical Center, where she worked in Dietary Services. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of coworkers, patients, and families across multiple generations through her kindness, consistency, and warm spirit. Ella was more than a colleague — she was family to many.

She had a deep love for flowers and gardening, and she found joy in planting gardens at her home and at the homes of her loved ones. It was not uncommon to wake up and find Ella already outside planting flowers in your yard, simply because she wanted to bring beauty and happiness into your day.

Family was the heart of Ella’s life. She was known for hosting family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and connection. Everyone knew that if you pulled up to Hawley Street, you were sure to be welcomed with open arms and a bowl of her famous macaroni salad. Her home was a place of comfort, joy, and unconditional love.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel and Jannie Hagins; her sister, Gloria Hagins; and her beloved son, Vernon Hagins.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Elliott Bullock and Kimberly Hagins; her beloved grandchildren, Brianna Hagins, Chahmier Hagins, Chaunce Walker, Kimora Heard, Kimani Heard, Jada Jackson, Elliott Jr., Tyana Bullock, Alana Bullock, Xavier , and Quintari Hagins; her siblings,, Shirley Hagins, Stefan Hagins, Charlene Hagins, and Daryl Hagins; her aunts, Maybelle McCray and Connie Gatewood; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, coworkers, and all those whose lives she touched.

Though her physical presence is no longer with us, Ella’s love continues to bloom through the gardens she planted, the meals she shared, and the family she nurtured. Her memory will forever remain planted in the hearts of those who loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 17th at Noon (Visitation 10-Noon) at Dierna Funeral Home. Private interment.