Idella Mae Curtis. was born October 9, 1934 in Waelder, Texas to Lucy Owens and Maynard Thornton. Idella received her education in the Waelder Texas School System, graduating from Ralph Bunch High School in 1952. She relocated to San Antonio, Texas where she continued her education at the San Antonio College receiving her Associate Degree in Health Administration. Idella entered the workforce working for Normandy Terrance Nursing Home.