Kathryn Hardison "Kaye" Ellen

Kathryn Hardison "Kaye" Ellen
ENFIELD - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathryn Hardison Ellen, "Kaye", who died peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Kaye was 74 and a devoted wife of her husband James "Jimmy" Ellen for 53 years. Additionally, she was a beloved mother, cherished "Grandma", and sister.
Kaye was born in Enfield and grew-up with many summer adventures working in the bustling downtown area. One of her greatest passions was taking care of the house that was her childhood dream house. She regularly visited antique stores, and estate sales to find just the perfect items to decorate. With each item, she brought back a story. Her fur baby Sir Henry was never left behind no matter what the reasons for travels. She also never turned away a cat or even an occasional possum that came to the door. She had a passion for the beach and spent a yearly vacation surrounded by family on the NC coast. While there, her greatest joy was just sitting in her chair with the ocean splashing at her feet. She and Jimmy spent much time enjoying the family farm, feeding their turtles, and taking weekend road trips together. Their joint home projects were always interesting and left her with a story to tell. She spent most of her recent years dedicated to spoiling her granddaughter, Abigail.
Professionally, she spent over 30 years as an English teacher with a desire to make sure all her students knew the true value of proper grammar and literary classics. She was often commended by parents and former students for the quality of her teaching. Funny enough, students sometimes would refer to her as "mean little Mrs. Ellen" due to her ability to maintain strict classrooms even with rowdy students despite her small stature. After her retirement she still kept busy proofreading papers and letters for JP, Kathryn, and a host of other people that deeply valued her expertise.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Enfield Baptist Church, 200 West Burnette Avenue, Enfield, NC. A celebration of life graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Elmwood Cemetery in Enfield.
Memorial contributions may be made directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/search then type Kaye Ellen.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service - Letchworth Chapel in Scotland Neck is handling arrangements for the Ellen family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykessfs.com.