Ida Mae Ellison was born February 22, 1922 in Gonzales, Texas to the late Elton Porter and Lorene Lewis Porter. Ida received her education in the Gonzales Public School System attending Edwards High School. She continued her education at Prairie View College located in Prairie View, Texas. She also attended Franklin Beauty School located in Houston, Texas where she later became a Beauty Instructor. Ida established her own Beauty Salon called “Ida’s Beauty Salon” in Gonzales, Texas that was built by her loving father. She relocated to San Antonio, Texas where she continued her work as a hairdresser. Ida entered the workforce and worked in various positions. She was employed at the San Antonio Independent School District as a Cafeteria Worker and was ultimately promoted to Cafeteria Manager where she served until, she retired.