Ellen Marie Halfhill

Ellen Halfhill, 97, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in 1927 in Pleasant Grove, Ellen experienced immense changes throughout her long and remarkable life.

Raised during the Great Depression, Ellen was one of twelve children—three girls and nine boys, with one sister sadly passing away soon after birth. Her memories of those challenging times became cherished family stories. As the last surviving sibling of the twelve, Ellen carried their shared history with love and pride.

She married the love of her life, Tommy, a Kansas sailor stationed at Bronson Field, whom she met at a Pleasant Grove Baptist Church social. They married in the same church in November 1945.

Throughout Tommy's Naval career, they were stationed at various locations, including Bermuda, Honolulu, San Diego, Memphis, Jacksonville, and Norfolk. Upon retirement, they lived in Pascagoula before returning to Pensacola to settle down and raise their family. Ellen and Tommy raised three children—Carol Sue, Cynthia (married to Steve), and Robert (married to Eunice). Ellen considered her children to be her legacy. Sadly, Robert passed away in 2019. Ellen had six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Retirement was filled with travel adventures. Ellen and Tommy, often accompanied by Ellen's sister Ila and her husband, along with Ellen's older brother and his wife, would pack into their van and explore far-flung regions of the United States. Family members fondly recall Friday nights when the six would gather for dinner, shopping, and spirited games of Skip-Bo, always accompanied by laughter and joy.

Ellen's faith was central to her life, and church played a pivotal role in her family. Her relationship with Jesus and her involvement with Myrtle Grove Baptist Church since 1967 were deeply important to her. Ellen served the church in various capacities—as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the WMU, a VBS worker, and a Family Life Center volunteer. In her senior years, she joined the Keenagers and frequently traveled with them on their trips.

Ellen was always busy, and her creativity shone through in everything she did. Along with her sister, Ila, Ellen was a member of Homemakers Club, and her home is still adorned with crafty items from those days. Ellen also enjoyed crocheting Afghans, a hobby she continued as recently as six months ago. Her love for fried seafood and Ruby Tuesday's salad bar brought her great joy. Ellen also loved music – Saturday afternoons always featured the Gaither’s and Lawrence Welk.

Ellen was known for keeping her opinions to herself, never wanting to hurt anyone's feelings. However, in her later years, she began sharing her thoughts more freely, revealing (among other things) that she was not particularly fond of dogs, torn jeans, and tattoos.

Often saying she was "ready to go to heaven," Ellen couldn't understand why she had lived so long. She became the family matriarch and will be warmly remembered by the next generation. Ellen leaves behind a memorable and cherished legacy and will be truly missed.

On behalf of our entire family, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to LaShay Scott for the exceptional care she provided to our beloved mother during the past two years. Her dedication, kindness and unwavering support have been a source of comfort and reassurance to us all.

Services will be Oaklawn Funeral Home Thursday, September 19. Family visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with open visitation at 10:30 a.m. Services will start at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Barrancas Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Myrtle Grove Baptist Church, 5920 Lillian Hwy Pensacola FL 32506 or Peoples’ Hospice 213 Wright Street Pensacola Fl 32501