Ellen Taylor Briggs, of Okemos, Michigan, formerly of Grawn (Duck Lake), MI and Cincinnati, OH, passed away September 26, 2026. She was born March 5, 1946, in Louisville, KY, the daughter of Dr. Charles Leo Bloch and Margaret Ellen Sawyer.
Ellen graduated from the Louisville Collegiate School before earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin. There she met Daniel William Briggs and married June 14, 1969. Ellen earned her master’s degree in social work from Northern Kentucky University and practiced as a clinical social worker for several years. She was a passionate supporter of mental health, as well as the underserved. An avid watercolorist and art lover, she also enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, playing mahjong, and was active in her church.
Ellen is survived by her husband; daughters, Laura (Edward) Brown of Okemos, Sarah Briggs of Okemos; sister, Margaret Wardall Brown of Louisville, KY; brother, Jed (Robin) Bloch of Peachtree City, GA; nephew, Charles (Stephanie) Hardy of Louisville, KY; niece, Hendy Bloch of Columbus, OH; two grandchildren, Amanda Brown (Ben Miller) of Cleveland, OH, and Ian Brown of East Lansing, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara Bloch.
A private burial will be held in Chelsea, MI.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at The Presbyterian Church of Okemos.
Donations may be made to the church.
Arrangements made by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
