Ellen was the fifth child born to Rev. Franklin and Edith Haskell in Moncks Corner, SC. She was reared in Eutawville with her nine siblings. Following graduation from Roberts High School, Holly Hill, SC, Class of 1959, Ellen migrated north, eventually settling in New York.

The New York Chapter

Cherished wife for 40 years of Albert Hillery (d. 2012), Mommy, Grandma, Mother-in-law… these were all new roles Ellen took on at this point in her journey of love and family. Trusted Neighbor, Best Friend, Boss Lady, and Fashionista were also a few of the additional roles that came along in New York. Ellen launched a high end fashion boutique with her closest friend, became a top selling, world traveling sales woman for two multinational sales organizations, remained active in her local church for over 30 years, and retired bringing much needed support services to the blind and deaf community.

The Haskell-Rivers Family Reunion

In 1985, Ellen, along with the help of her siblings, cousins, children and anyone else who was remotely a "cousin removed", launched the first Haskell-Rivers Family Reunion. She would chair the northern chapter as president for over 10 years, as well as presiding in several other roles, as the needs of the family would change and need support. As the reunion grew and contracted throughout the years, Ellen was a bedrock of family commitment - never missing a reunion, fully supporting the leadership in every way, showing both legacy and younger generations the importance of family coming together in fellowship. This reunion, that still comes together 35 years after its inception, is a part of her legacy.

Back to the South

After more than 40 years in New York, in 2005 Ellen relocated to Dumfries, Virginia. This move would merely be the first step in her deliberate migration back to South Carolina. While in Virginia, she continued to be blessed with amazing relationships between her neighbors, community members and church groups before she made a quick stop in North Carolina, then Rock Hill, South Carolina, before landing back as close to home as she could get, in Summerville, SC. She then gained her final name, GranGran, with the birth of her only great-grandchild. With every journey, Ellen brought joy and laughter to all who had the opportunity to get to know her.

Those left to cherish her memory are: her partner-in-life, Mr. Webber Pettigrew; children, Deborah Hillery-Pettigrew, Cynthia Reed, and Darryl Hillery (Jessica); five grandchildren, Alellena Hillery, Simone Sumlin, Devin Hillery, Derrick Hillery and Jaellen Hillery; great-granddaughter, Laila Sannon; siblings, Willie Mae Teasdale, Frank  Haskell, Jr., Ethel Crawford, Blondell Parrish, Rev. Elease Benton (James C.), Trudy Haskell and Aletha Morgan (Woodrow); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and amazing friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation: Donate | Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation

Viewing will be Wednesday, December 16, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A Private Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, December 17, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at O. Allen Gethers, Jr. Memorial Chapel, Gethers Funeral Home, 200 Grace Street, Moncks Corner, SC. Burial will be in Belvedere Cemetery, Eutawville, SC. As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at the viewing and services. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

The family is grateful for your prayers, understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.