Birda Jo Ousley entered this world on October 18, 1918 in Athens, Texas.Born to the late Abram Lewis, Sr and Albirda (Criner) Lewis, she was the 9th of the 13 Lewis children.On July 17, 2020, in Laguna Woods, California, Birda Jo departed this world.

At a very early age, Birda Jo was baptized and began an active life in church as a member of the Lewis family church, Allen Chapel in Athens.It is here where she began her life long spiritual journey.She also received her early education in Athens.Then she proudly obtained her Bachelor in Arts degree in 1942 from Texas College, Tyler, Texas.

She moved to Kansas City, Missouri to join many of her brothers and sisters, and worked at the local paper mill.It was there Birda Jo met Charles Ousley, Sr to whom she was married over 60 years.To their union, three sons were born.

In 1959, Charles and Birda Jo moved their family to Los Angeles, California.They joined Praises of Zion Baptist Church where she proudly served many years as a nurse's aide.Not only was Birda Jo a loving wife and mother, she had a successful 31 year career as a buyer for the high-end department store Bullocks.Her impeccable fashion taste was evident not only in her personal wardrobe, but also in her sons' attire.She made sure they were the best pressed and dressed in church and in school.

While Birda Jo's most favorite pastime was enjoying family, she was well known for being amused by and doing well on the slots in Las Vegas every chance she got, while living there and after moving back to California.She also loved great music, especially jazz and the greats like Sarah Vaughn, Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, and Jimmy Smith to name a few.

Birda Jo was predeceased by her husband Charles Sr, her son Donald E. Ousley, Sr, her great-grandson Alon, and her 12 brothers and sisters:AB, Sallie, Jimmie, Annie Mae, George, William, Margaret, Mattie, Abrom, Clytia Mae, Robert, and Pauline.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons:Charles (Carlene) Ousley, Jr and Stanley Ousley
• 10 grandchildren:Briana (Corey) Flanagan, Donald Ousley, Jr, Kristyn (Charles) Brown, Sandra (Fred-deceased) Wiggins, Olympia (Searcy) Jackson, Kimberley (Terrance) Williams, Stanley (Stacy) Ousley, Anisa Smith, Alexa (Efrain) Serrano, and Theodore Ousley
• 20 great-grandchildren:Brandy, Bryon, Jonathan, James, Chalon, Kijana, Trevonte', Daniel, Samantha, Avon, Nyan, Fred, Vincent, Anaya, Taja, Armon, Sandi, Xylem, Jaylen, Ronald, Neeya, and Noa
• 11 great-great grandchildren:Skyler, Blythe, Jules, Kristine, Sun, Eeya, Ara, Kingston, Perseus, and Mia
• And, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends