Ellen Adair Dillon Eikman, 76, passed away after a long illness September 3, 2017, at her home in Tampa, FL. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were near.
Ellen is survived by her husband of 54 years, Edward Allan Eikman Sr., her daughters Ingrid Ellen Eikman Gipson, Ursula Helen Eikman Baum, a son, Adam Dillon Eikman, and by five grandchildren. Son Edward Allan Eikman Jr. predeceased.
Ellen was born in Marianna, Florida of Edward Alderman Dillon, and Eloise McQuagge Dillon.
She attended elementary school and high school in Tallahassee, Florida, graduated from Florida State University, and later earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from St. Louis University. She taught in the Ferguson-Florissant, Missouri school district while her husband attended medical school. She led her growing family during his post-graduate training in Baltimore MD and Nashville TN, during Navy service in Bethesda MD, and upon entering service on the charter faculty of the medical school at the University of South Florida in Tampa beginning 1973.
Ellen was a gifted elementary school teacher for the disabled. Elements of her teaching style later showed in other settings. She valued each student and personalized her teaching for each. Her goal for each student was to enable academic and personal abilities, to minimize or overcome the student’s limitations, and for each to lead a fulfilling life. To reach beyond the classroom experience, she methodically visited the homes of her students. She helped parents and others to encourage and develop the abilities of each child. When some could share mainstream classes, she negotiated with teachers, classmates, and administrators to make this possible. For other students, she taught them to overcome barriers to basic learning. In her Master’s Thesis, she analyzed opportunities for randomized controlled trials of alternative approaches to special education.
Later, she focused her loving attention and skills on each of her four children and other family members. She taught respect for each personality, kindness, humility, and respect for all. Her perceptive sense of humor was never at the expense of the weak or unfortunate. She was a voracious reader; she especially relished biographies.
As the children matured and time permitted, she volunteered in charities and charitable organizations. She served daily for many years in the Meals on Wheels program. She delivered not only food, but helped with access to other resources, and offered dependable human communication. All this she took as a matter of course, never seeking external accolades.
She was devoted to her PEO sisters, treasuring each individual friendship.
Ellen embodied quiet grace and courtesy: a lady, who passed along standards from an earlier time. We are comforted by our belief that she is in a place that the Lord has prepared.
The family requests no flowers, please. Memorial donations may be made to:
Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation
PO Box 23827
Tampa, FL 33623-3827
or online at https://moffitt.org
Ellen Dillon Eikman memorial service: Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 3 PM
Palma Cia Presbyterian Church, Tampa
3501 W San Jose St, Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 253-6047
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Macdill Chapel MacDill Avenue Chapel.
October 1, 2017
Diana Gendron
Ed and family, I remember Ellen fondly from our high school days. At your time of great personal loss, thank you so much for sharing with us in Ellen's obituary a wonderful tribute to her spirit! Her personalized, positive approach with her students, particularly, as well with her family and community, is an inspirational legacy of Human Care. From Dr. Tawil's comments, Ed, your care of Ellen during her illness was in her spirit.
Sincerely, Diana (Hood) Gendron
September 30, 2017
Victor and Sally Ann Parham Johnson
Ed - we were so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. Our thoughts are you with you and your family.
Leon High classmates,
Victor and Sally Ann Parham Johnson
September 30, 2017
Hugh (Sonny) Cowart
I recall Ellen during my High School days at Leon High School in Tallahassee. She was so sweet and nice. Someone said, "quiet grace". We will miss her. God bless the Eikman family.
September 18, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the Eikman family for the loss of your beloved Ellen. Wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. We mourn your loss with you. Ahmad and Carla Ariyanfar
September 17, 2017
Susan Morrison
I am so saddened by the passing of sweet Ellen. She was the first neighbor I had met when I moved to Longfellow Avenue over twenty years ago. She has always been a sweet loving person and a wonderful neighbor. We shall all miss her. Sincere condolences to Ed and the family.
. Sincerely, Susan Morrison
September 14, 2017
ALBERT TAWIL MD
As Ellen's personal physician, I never truly knew her as she became my patient after her illness had progressed significantly. Her husband has risen
to the task as her caretaker with unparalleled devotion that few could undertake. My sincere admiration to a fellow physician that I truly admire.
He is my hero. My heartfelt condolences to the family.Albert Tawil, M,D.
September 12, 2017
Destin Benson
My heart goes out to the Eikman family. Ellen was such a sweet person. I couldn't wait for the holidays when the family would come to Gahkas house in Tallassee. My heart goes out to the family. Love ya'll.
September 12, 2017
My sincere condolences for you.May you find hope and comfort in the words at Jeremiah 31:13 MR
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