Ellen Bess Tippit's Obituary
Ellen Bess Tippit, born on October 25, 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Reverend Roan Burr and Ida Isabell Thompson Middleton, spent her early years in Bernice, Louisiana. On July 22, 2024, at the age of 89, Ellen peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, grace, and treasured memories.
Ellen’s life was a beautiful tapestry of devotion, artistry, and love. A true artist, she wove creativity into every aspect of her life, from her wedding business, where she crafted stunning cakes and floral arrangements, to her talent as a seamstress, designing costumes for New York stages. She and her beloved husband, Carroll, lovingly raised three children in Richardson, Texas, nurturing creativity and a deep sense of community.
Her passion for beauty earned her numerous blue ribbons at the Richardson Women’s Club flower show. After Carroll’s retirement, they embraced a serene life in Ben Wheeler, Texas, where they returned to their roots, raising cattle and goats with tender care, and cherishing time spent with their grandchildren. Ellen’s culinary skills, honed from the bounty of their gardens, brought joy to many, and her home was a welcoming haven for family and friends.
A vibrant member of the Colfax Community Church and the Red Hat Society, Ellen embraced life’s adventures with grace and warmth. Family was the heart of her world, and her home was the center of every holiday celebration. Her birthday cards, adorned with her artwork, were eagerly anticipated and brought delight to all who received them.
Ellen leaves behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, and boundless love. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the light she brought into the lives of others will continue to glow warmly in the hearts of all who knew her.
Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years Carroll John Tippit, siblings Mary Margaretsa Cannon, Nelda Rae Thurmon, Elsie Allen Tanner, Roan Burr Middleton, Jr., Thomas Sylvester Middleton; nephew Kenneth Ray Thurmon; and grandson Christopher Morris. She is survived by her children, Mary Gwendolyn Savant of Richardson, TX, Belinda Rene (Gary) Morris of Richardson, TX, and Gregory Carl Tippit (Keith Oncale) of Lindenhurst, NY.; brothers-in-law Travis Tanner of Monroe, LA., William Whitaker of Tyler, TX.; sister-in-law Joann Bryan (Middleton) of Lakeland, Fl.; grandchildren Erin (Justin ) Simmons of Canton, TX, Lauren Morris of Dallas, TX, Rachel Savant of Richardson, TX, Jordan (April) Savant of Richardson, TX, Daniel (Jackie) Morris of Richardson, TX, Mira Oncale-Tippit of Lindenhurst, NY; great-grandchildren Chloe Simmons, Naomi Simmons, Isaac Simmons, Adalyn Morris, Belle Savant, Noble Carroll Savant, River Savant, Elora Bess Morris, and Ranger Thomas Savant; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Ellen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ellen?
Share a story where Ellen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ellen you’ll never forget.
How did Ellen make you smile?