Ellen Wilson Golden passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, at Magnolia Trace in Huntsville, Alabama. She was 92 years old. Ellen was born in LaGrange, Georgia, on February 15, 1932, to parents Sam and Ollie Wilson. She was raised in the Hillside Village and lived in LaGrange all her life until 2021. She spent her final years in Huntsville. Ellen graduated from LaGrange High School and Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduation she worked at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta for one year. She returned to LaGrange and began a 40-year career at West Georgia Medical Center as an RN and Head Nurse. She was a mentor and teacher of many young nurses. She had a gift for bringing out the best in people. In 1956, Ellen met George Ed Golden, Jr. on a blind date. Ed and Ellen married six months later on September 1, 1956. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage until his death in 2013. They shared a wonderful life of faith, family, and dear friends in LaGrange.
Ellen’s life was a testament to her strong Christian faith and her calling to serve others. She and Ed were faithful members of the United Congregational Christian Church (now Cedarcrest). She enjoyed Bible study, teaching Adult Sunday School, and serving with the Women’s Fellowship. Ellen and Ed were surrounded by a wonderful circle of church friends. They enjoyed life together, especially camping trips to the Great Smoky Mountains and all around the South.
Ellen is survived by her daughter, Jean Golden King (David) of Huntsville; her son, Dr. Robert Golden (Debbie) of Monroe, GA; five grandchildren, Daniel Golden (Lindsay), James Golden (Emma), Matthew Golden (Laura), Olivia King Gurevich (Gennadiy), and Benjamin King (Kayce); eight great-grandchildren, Samuel, Peter, and Annalise Golden, Eli, Sophie, and Riley Golden, and Ellie and Maddie Golden; her brother, Herman Wilson of Griffin, GA; special cousin, Joyce Upchurch of LaGrange; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Margie Elizabeth King.
According to her wishes, Ellen was cremated. Her ashes will rest alongside her husband at Shadowlawn Cemetery in LaGrange, GA. The family will plan a Celebration of Life.
Ellen had a life-long love of poetry. She often recited this favorite verse: “Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me. And may there be no moaning of the bar, when I put out to sea.” Ellen bravely fought declining health and memory loss in her last years. We rejoice that her earthly struggles are over, and she is safely home with her Heavenly Father.
