Ellen Leona Todd O'Connor

Ellen Leona Todd O'Connor (née Pate), a beloved matriarch and steadfast woman of faith, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, in Winter Haven, Florida, just one week shy of her 101st birthday. Born on July 25, 1925, in Oneonta, Alabama, Ellen lived a remarkable century filled with love, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to her family and faith.

Ellen was the cherished daughter of William Arthur Pate and Rosa Mae Endsley Pate. She grew up surrounded by her siblings—Bob, Alton, France, John, Cleve, Elijah, Iva Lee, Vonnie, Martha, and Alma.  Raised on the Word of God and instilled with strong moral values from an early age, Ellen carried these principles throughout her life as a faithful believer and servant.

At a young age, Ellen married Earnest Martin Todd, and together, had twelve children: Betty Ezell (deceased), Edgar Todd (deceased), James Todd (deceased), Pauline Odum (deceased), Evaline Conley (deceased).  She is survived by her children; Billy Todd, Bernice O'Connor, Ruby Ketchum, Barbara Bamberg, Shirley Harris, Debbie Collins (Jay), and Helen Shelton. Son-in-law, Milton Odum. Together they built a large family rooted in love and resilience. After Earnest's passing, Ellen later married Joseph D. O'Connor and continued to share her life with those she held dear.

A devoted wife and mother first and foremost, Ellen also worked tirelessly throughout her life in various roles to support her family. She was a homemaker who created a warm and nurturing environment for her loved ones while also working as a babysitter, dishwasher, food processor, canner, fruit sectionizer—and was always a source of strength for those around her.

Ellen's legacy is carried forward by an extraordinary family tree that includes 26 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-grandchild. She is survived by her youngest sibling, brother Bob Pate (Margaret) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other cherished family members. Her enduring love for family was evident in every aspect of her life—from the elaborate birthday celebrations she adored to the countless stories she shared about her life's journey.

Ellen found joy in simple yet profound pleasures: growing beautiful flowers that brightened every space they adorned; cultivating gardens filled with delicious food; fishing; listening to country music and old gospel hymns; sharing meals and celebrating holidays with loved ones; taking photographs to capture precious memories; and gathering with family for celebrations that reflected the deep bonds she nurtured over the years. She never met a stranger, her warmth drew people in—and she delighted in talking to anyone who crossed her path, and she loved to be spoiled by her children and grandchildren.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A member of the "Exciting" Lake Region Baptist Church of Winter Haven, Ellen lived by the teachings of the Bible and believed deeply in the power of prayer. She was afraid of storms and would gather her children and grandchildren in a safe place and pray until the storm passed but would stand toe to toe with the devil to protect what she loved. Her unwavering faith inspired all who knew her as she stood firmly on principles like "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." She instilled old-time morals and values in her children and grandchildren while serving as their protector—a role she embraced wholeheartedly.

Ellen's wisdom was vast -shaped by decades of experience- and she shared it generously through stories that captivated listeners young and old. Her belief in respect for others was unshakable; she taught those around her to show kindness without judgment or ridicule. Her strength of character was matched only by the depth of her love for those closest to her.

Also preceding Ellen in death were not only her parents but also many beloved members of her family: siblings Alton, France, John, Cleve, Elijah; sisters Iva Lee, Vonnie, Martha, Alma; 2 grandchildren; Sons-in-law Allen Shelton., Bobby Ketchum, Gene O'Connor, Jim Caple, Carl Conley. 

Ellen's life was a testament to resilience—a journey marked by challenges overcome through faith—and an enduring reminder that love is at the heart of everything meaningful. Her presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of her.

May Ellen Leona Todd O'Connor's memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing while celebrating the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind—a legacy rooted in faithfulness to God's word and boundless love for family.

Services honoring Ellen's remarkable life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care: 2425 Havendale Blvd Northwest, Winter Haven, Fl 33881. The family will receive friends at 1:00pm. Service promptly begins at 2:00 pm with Pastor Glenn Giles officiating. Final resting place will be at Auburndale Memorial Park. Details of a gathering in her honor will be announced at closing of service.