Born on September 13, 1952, in Atlanta, Ellen was the daughter of the late Joseph E. and Caroline Edens Johnson. She was a graduate of Druid Hills High School (Class of 1970) and continued her education at Georgia Southern University.
Ellen was known for her professional versatility and strong work ethic. While she began her career as a paralegal, she found her true professional home at the Georgia Psychological Association. There, she served with distinction for many years as the Executive Assistant to the Director, where her organizational skills and dedication were deeply valued by her colleagues.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, Ellen is survived by her three sons: James "Jay" McBrayer and his wife, Tami, of Brookhaven; Watt "Brody" McBrayer of Brookhaven; and Adam McBrayer of Loganville. She also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren—Lina, Joseph, and Jackson—and her beloved sister, Susan Johnson Settle, and husband Michael of Destin, FL.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2 pm at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, Georgia 30084.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ellen’s honor to Atlanta Beagle Rescue at https://atlantabeaglerescue.org/.
