Ellen Marie (Medlin) Padgett, age 77, of Clarksville, TN, entered rest Friday, January 19, 2024 at Tennova Healthcare Hospital.
Ellen was born December 1, 1946, in Concord, NC, to Hilyard O. Medlin and Mary Ellen (Kearns) Medlin.
She lived in Vienna, Austria and Nashville, TN as a child before her family settled in Augusta, GA, where she was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. She graduated from Butler High School, where she was a star basketball player. Augusta was her home for nearly 45 years, though she resided in both Chattanooga and Clarksville, TN in her later years.
A loving mother, dependable friend, dedicated daughter and supportive wife, Ellen was a homemaker who devoted her time and energy to those she loved and to her community. She was a former school PTA President, a little league basketball coach for many years, a reading tutor and a local library volunteer. Known affectionately as “Ellie Bear” by her family, her outer beauty and great fashion sense were obvious to all, but it was her inner beauty and wonderful laugh that touched others. A huge music lover, mystery reader and talented cook, Ellen filled her home with great music, food and books. She was a big dog lover and had many beloved pets throughout her life. She loved her three children deeply, always supported their aspirations, and never missed a single childhood event for them.
Ellen is survived by her children, Melissa (Bond) Hays of Chattanooga; Olin (Katie) Padgett III of Clarksville; and Monica (Ron) Barbosa of Dallas, TX; sister, Lillian Brown of Atlanta, GA; and five grandchildren. Ellen is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Olin Padgett Jr.; parents H.O. and Mary Medlin; and sister Kay Radford.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Chapel. Burial will be at Sango Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 9 :00 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a youth basketball league or Humane Society of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.