Ellen wasn’t just a name. She was a force of kindness, wisdom, and deep love. A Christian, a devoted wife, a proud mother, and grandmother, Ellen’s life was defined by service, compassion, and a fierce belief in the power of community. Above all, she was a friend—one who could be counted on through thick and thin, always ready to offer a listening ear, a word of advice, or simply share in a moment of joy.

But Ellen’s influence wasn’t limited to her family. She was an outspoken advocate for marginalized communities—especially those who often felt unseen or unheard. Whether it was supporting the LGBTQ+ community, speaking out for immigrants, or offering her time and resources to those less fortunate, Ellen’s heart was always wide open. She cared deeply, and her actions spoke louder than words.

We asked Rob, one of Ellen’s sons, and his family to tell us about Ellen: what they miss most and how they honor her legacy and here is what they had to say.

The Ellen We Miss

What do we miss the most about Ellen? It’s the small, everyday moments that were once so abundant. We miss calling her just to tell her something funny we saw, to share the latest milestone from her grandkids, or simply to gossip and chat about life. But more than anything, we miss her wisdom, acceptance, and unconditional love.

When we think of her now, we smile when we see butterflies fluttering by or when we hear the soft chime of wind chimes in the breeze. She had a special connection with nature, and we often feel her presence near the coast—the place where she instilled in us a deep love for the beach, especially Sunset Beach, NC.

A Tribute to Ellen: The Teal Diva 5K

Ellen’s legacy didn’t end with her passing. After she was diagnosed with cancer, Ellen became passionate about raising awareness for gynecological cancers, and one of the ways she sought to make a difference was through the Teal Diva 5K. She had heard about the event early in her treatment and was determined to be a part of it. In fact, she sent a message to her family, urging us to participate and support the cause. Her enthusiasm was contagious—she wanted to do anything she could to help.

But life had other plans. Ellen’s decline was swift, and she passed away on April 3, 2022, just one month before the race. Despite this, we were determined to honor her wishes and carry on her mission. And so, we put together a team in her honor, calling it “The Gospel of Ellen”—a nod to the nickname given to her Sunday School teachings by her children’s class. We walked, we ran, and we made sure that Ellen’s spirit was there with us every step of the way.

The Teal Diva Classic Volleyball Tournament: A Celebration of Life

But we didn’t stop there. Ellen’s granddaughter, Olivia, had discovered a love for beach volleyball and had already participated in a few benefit tournaments at Capt’n Bill’s, a local venue known for supporting charitable causes. Olivia suggested that we host a volleyball tournament to honor Grammy’s memory and raise awareness for gynecological cancers. It was a natural fit, and soon, the idea for the Teal Diva Classic Volleyball Tournament was born.

With Olivia’s passion for the sport and Bill’s commitment to community causes, we reached out to Capt’n Bill’s to help bring the event to life. Together, we created a special day that not only celebrated Ellen’s life but also raised funds and awareness for an important cause.

There were a total of 21 teams and $1,535 raised.

A Legacy That Lives On

Through these events, Ellen’s spirit continues to touch lives. Her advocacy for those in need, her unwavering love for her family, and her commitment to making the world a better place will never be forgotten. As we continue to celebrate her life, we are reminded that even in her absence, Ellen’s legacy is very much alive—in the lessons she taught us, the people she helped, and the causes she supported.

So, the next time you see a butterfly, hear a wind chime, or feel the breeze by the coast, take a moment to remember Ellen. Her love, her strength, and her devotion to others will forever be part of who we are. And when we gather together at events like the Teal Diva Classic Volleyball Tournament, we do so not just to raise awareness, but to honor the woman who showed us what it truly means to live with compassion and purpose.