Ellen Briscoe Atkinson

Mrs. Ellen Briscoe Atkinson, 85, of Franklin, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. She was born on March 15, 1940, in Grayson, Georgia, the beloved daughter of Albert Daniel Briscoe and Rosa Lee Jones Briscoe.

Ellen was a proud graduate of South Gwinnett High School, Class of 1958. For 41 years, she faithfully served the Carroll County School System as a bus driver, safely carrying countless children to and from school, many of whom remember her warm smile and caring heart. She also used her talents as a registered dietician, managing the kitchen at the Franklin Nursing Home, where she nourished both bodies and spirits.

Above all, Ellen was a devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring grandmother. She found the greatest joy in her family and loved nothing more than gathering them together, especially if it meant she could bake her famous pound cake, a treat everyone looked forward to at birthdays and special occasions. She was an avid sports fan, cheering faithfully for the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, and Georgia Bulldogs. Whether in the stands, on the couch, or listening to a game on the radio, she never lost her enthusiasm for her teams.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Larry Floyd Atkinson, and her ten siblings, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and laughter.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her four sons and daughters-in-law, Steve & Charlene Atkinson, Boone & Shanan Atkinson, Jeff & Lynn Atkinson, and Greg & Jennifer Atkinson; her treasured grandchildren, Seth Atkinson, Eden Atkinson, Allie & Dylan Kiesse, Andrew Molnar, Brittany & Troy Brown, Lauren & Brooks Shelly, Bryson Atkinson, Parker Atkinson, and Jessica Noles; six great-grandchildren and one eagerly awaited great-grandbaby on the way; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her deeply.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home. A service to honor and celebrate Ellen's life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with Preacher Donnie Benefield and Pastor Troy Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Carroll Memory Gardens with Bryson Atkinson, Parker Atkinson, Andrew Molnar, David Miller, Jason Wilkins, Mike Williams, and Stan Williams serving as pallbearers.

Messages of love and condolences may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to care for Mrs. Ellen and her family during this time.