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In celebration of the life of Ellen Jean Partridge. My mother, Ellen Jean Partridge passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Aug. 20 , 2022. I can’t express enough how much the love and support of family and friends have meant to her, myself, and our family.

Ellen was born in 1933, the youngest daughter of Luther (Red) May and Una May.

Ellen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Berry College in 1957, her master’s degree from George Peabody College in 1960, and her six-year certificate in leadership from the State University of West Georgia. Based on the stories I was told it was the tough and persistent love of her older sister Lillian Murphy that supported her during those trying times.

During her career, she taught for six years at Kathleen Mitchell in Fulton County, and 15 years at Dawson Street Elementary in LaGrange. She was named principal there at a time few women in Georgia held such positions. She held that position for another twelve years. Teaching was her passion but after the death of her husband, she decided to retire after dedicating 33 wonderful years to the students and staff she cared so dearly for.

She served as a supervising teacher and inspired several generations to teach through her work at Georgia College in Milledgeville and LaGrange College. In 1971 she was selected for inclusion in the publication Leaders of American Elementary and Secondary Education.

Ellen was past president of the Troup Retired Educators Association, LaGrange Mall Walkers Club, and LaGrange Business Girls League. She was also active in the Iris Garden Club, Merrymakers, and Senior Choir at First Baptist. She was a charter member and past president of ADK, an international sorority for female educators, participating in the local Beta Iota Chapter. She served as sergeant at arms and historian in the Columbus district reaching the sapphire sister level.

In the later years of her life, she was very much devoted to the volunteer work that she did at Callaway Gardens. The butterfly exhibit and the chapel were two of her favorite places to share with those who came to visit.

Ellen was a member and elder of South Highland Presbyterian Church. She served as a choir member, Adult Sunday School teacher, deacon, circle leader, and the president of the Presbyterian Women Inc. She was also an active member of the Southwest Cluster.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband S. Kenneth Partridge, as well as brothers and sisters Robert (Bo) Hanners, Maudelle Thomaston, and Lillian Murphy. She is survived by her son Sebron (Ken) Partridge; daughter-in-law Wanwimon (Wan) Partridge; her grandson Sebron (Steven) Partridge and his wife Arlie Partridge; two beautiful great-granddaughters Harper and Sayde Partridge; and many nieces and nephews all of whom she loved dearly.

Ellen never forgot where she came from or the institution that inspired her. She always felt that Berry College provided her with the essential tools for her to continue her education and find success later in life. Therefore, we respectfully ask that in lieu of flowers or food that memorial contributions be made to: Mail to: Berry College, P.O. Box 490069, Mount Berry, Georgia, 30149 or online at:www.berry.edu/gift. Please designate your gift to the Annual Giving area and include that your gift is in memory of Ellen May Partridge, Class of 1957.

Services are scheduled to be held on Sept. 17, 2022 at 10 A.M. Eastern Time at Loyd Presbyterian, 564 Glass Bridge Rd, LaGrange, Georgia 30240

As we wish to ensure appropriate seating please respond with a confirmation with one of the options below that you will attend.Email empartridge@icloud.com or text 706-884-4380