Ellen Brownlow Obituary

Ellen Lee Joyner Brownlow
October, 02, 1944 -
August 15th, 2025
A Reflection on the Life of Ellen Lee Joyner Brownlow
My dear Ellen was born on October, 02, 1944 at Fort McPherson, Georgia. She grew up in Atlanta and graduated with honors from Gordon High School in 1962 where she excelled both in academics and on the drill team. Ellen was a member of Beta Club, and a Scholastic Honorary Society! Gordon High School Band received National Honors and Ellen marched with the Drill Team in John F. Kennedys Inaugural Parade in 1961!
On September 22, 1962, Ellen's parents left her at Young Harris College where she met her future husband Brad Brownlow. Ellen graduated from Young Harris College with Honors in 1964 after serving on student council. She was a member of the Dorcas Society and Phi Delta Society. After graduation Ellen excelled as a banker before marrying Brad Brownlow on March 20, 1965!
Ellen lived and raised her two children in both DeKalb and Walton Counties. She was always the perfect mom- serving as Team Mother, Girl Scout leader.
Ellen loved style, décor and antiques. She was a partner with Julie Petit in Seven Gables and Highland Cottage Antiques and was featured in the Atlanta Journal Style Section in 1980.
Ellen accepted Christ at a very young age and served as a faithful follower all her life. She taught first grade Sunday school and was a Deacon Wife and sponsor for countless events! Ellen loved the out-of-doors, hiking, long drives in the country, finding towering fluffy white clouds and rolling hay fields!
Ellen was called back home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 15th, 2025 at the grand age of 80 years, 10 months following an extended illness.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Kelly and Ellen Joyner; grandparents, Abbie Lee and Ruby Swinney; and grandmother, Helen Burton Joyner.
Ellen is survived by her husband of 60 years, Brad Brownlow; her daughter Tracy Van Minos (Michael), her son Richard Brownlow (Kellie); grandchildren, Ali V. Jarvis (Steven), Elizabeth V. Jones (Auston), Max Van Minos (Bailey), Libbie and Mollie Brownlow; great-grandchildren, Mick, Wyatt, and J.B. Jarvis ; Jase and Ezra Jones; Emmy and Ellie Van Minos. Ellen's brother Lawrence Kelley Joyner, Jr. (Trish); nephew, Patrick Kelley Joyner (MeKay) and nephew J.B Joyner.
Ellen will lie in state at Memorial Park Funeral Home at 2030 Memorial Park Dr., Gainesville, GA. on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025. The family will receive guests from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. A reception in Ellen's honor will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Memorial Park following her service! Her remains will not be interred but will be spread in a sunlit hayfield along with Brad's at a later time.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements. Please make online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com