Ellen Catherine English

Ellen Catherine English, real-estate pioneer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother and grandmother, age 94, passed away on Friday, the 28th of November 2014. She was born in Houston in 1920 to Emma and Joseph Wilson. Ellen was one of three children and is preceded in death by her older brother Robert and her younger brother Joe.

Ellen promptly began her business career after the passing of her husband J.M. English in 1946 to take care of their only daughter Sarijane “Sassy” English. She started Webwood Flowers and made it into a successful business before selling the business to her brother Joe. Ellen then went into residential real estate opening the first woman owned real estate firm in Houston. Ellen dominated the real estate market in the 60s, 70s and 80s with multiple offices around Houston. In the late 1980s, Ellen decided to focus her time on her personal real-estate holdings which included restoring a Victorian home in Navasota, Texas. This home, the LaSalle House, was awarded a Texas historical marker and was used as an antique shop by Ellen on the weekends. Ellen spent many weekends at her nearby Navasota farm with her friends, daughter and two grandsons who called her Lollie. The Post Office Farm was one of Ellen’s favorite getaways.

Ellen was a loyal supporter and on the boards of Washington on the Brazos State Park and Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. She was named top producer for raising and donating funds for these two organizations over the years.

Ellen was a free spirit, hard negotiator for her clients and the life of the party. She loved socializing, hosting and attending parties. Ellen loved dancing and was involved in many groups around Houston. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Ellen is survived by her daughter Sarijane Stanton Pinckard; her grandsons: Troy Stanton and Austin Stanton; and her great-grandchildren: Tyler and Carly Stanton and James and Andrew Stanton. She is preceded in death by her great-grandson, William Stanton and her late husbands: J.M. English and Troy Whitehead.

The family gathered for a private interment Thursday the 18th of December at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.