Ellen Gaddis Parkinson
Ellen Gaddis Parkinson
Obituary
Guest Book
Ellen Parkinson Obituary
Ellen Gaddis Parkinson, born on June 28, 1957, passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 68. She dedicated her life to mental health services, becoming a compassionate therapist and earning her Master's Degree in 2002. Ellen's career was not just a profession; it was a calling that allowed her to touch the lives of many.
Ellen was a vibrant individual who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a deep love for music, with artists such as James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel, and Elton John resonating deeply with her spirit. A passionate board game enthusiast, she was especially formidable in trivia game nights with family and friends. Ellen loved to laugh and loved to watch stand-up with Chris Rock, Robin Williams, and Margaret Cho. She loved to watch improvisation and sketch shows like Whose Line is it Anyway and Saturday Night Live.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Sara Gaddis, and son, James Gaddis, as well as her supportive brothers, Wade and Robert Patterson. Ellen was a resilient soul, having triumphed over breast cancer, and her strength and positivity will be remembered by all who knew her.
Cremation will take place at 2415 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311. Memorial services honoring her remarkable life will be held on October 7, 2025, at Companion Funeral Home-Chattanooga Chapel, 6018 John Douglas Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM-5:00 PM with the service to follow immediately after visitation at 5:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Civil Liberties Union through this link: https://action.aclu.org/give/now
Ellen was preceded in death by: Michael Parkinson (husband), Joanne Patterson (mother), and James Patterson (father).
6018 John Douglass Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421
People and places connected with Ellen
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Parkinson
Make a Donation
in Ellen Parkinson's name
How to support Ellen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ellen Parkinson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
