Ellen B Phipps

Mary Ellen Bishop was born in Ware Shoals, South Carolina on Feb 5, 1941.  She graduated from Ware Shoals High School in 1959 and then from King College in Bristol, Tennessee in 1963. Ellen often reflected on her years at King College as her most joy-filled years of all. It was at King where she played basketball, was active in student activities, and met William “Bill” Guy Phipps. Ellen graduated from King with an English degree, and married Bill soon after on August 30. 

After teaching for a year, Ellen and Bill moved to Decatur, Georgia where she continued to teach English as Bill attended seminary in preparation for becoming a Presbyterian minister. Together, they served congregations in North Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Florida. Ellen faithfully taught Sunday School and sang in the choir, all while raising two sons, teaching in the local schools, and earning her master’s degree in educational administration. Ellen had an amazing soprano voice. She would often sing duets and other special music with Bill in the church choir and even played a role in a few civic shows.

Ellen’s biggest passion apart from family was writing. She wrote multiple children’s stories and poems, including “Mommy, Where Did the Sunshine Go?” and “The Just Right Chair.” Ellen’s article, “Leave Your Native Land and Go,” was published in Christianity Today. 

Both of Ellen’s sons share her passion for Christian Education, as both are ordained to the Gospel Ministry and have followed her example of leading others into lives of service and discipleship. Her son Brian is a published author… carrying on her legacy. 

Ellen moved to Harlingen, TX to be close to family in 2001. She owned her own home where she loved to garden, make crafts, welcome friends, and cook large southern meals of fried chicken and mashed potatoes when family came to visit. Ellen loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren… always asking about them during phone calls and visits. She is known for her delicious lemon meringue pie, which exemplified her “tart and sweet” personality. 

Ellen passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, April 6th in the presence of her son Marcus, and the incredible staff of Martha’s Care Home, where she has resided since September of 2023. We are particularly grateful for the amazing care provided by Martha Gaytan and her staff, as well as the amazing teams at Valley View and Gentiva Hospice. 

Ellen is survived by her sons, Brian Phipps and wife Carol of Shawnee, KS, and Marcus Phipps and wife Lisa of Harlingen, TX.  She was “Grandmother” to six grandchildren, Joshua Phipps (Taylor), Hannah Welborn (Gage), Jonathan Phipps (Andi), Samuel Phipps (Madison), Caleb Phipps, and Jordan Phipps.  She was also blessed to be Great-Grandmother to Hazel and Denver Welborn. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, L.E. and Barbara Bishop, and her brother James Bishop.

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home on Sunday, April 14th at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors before the service starting at 1:00 p.m. All arrangements are under the care of Buck Ashcraft. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disciples Made (www.DisciplesMade.com/Donate), a non-profit ministry founded by her son Brian.