Ellen Ann Todd McMillan

Obituary for Ellen Ann Todd McMillan

Ellen Ann Todd McMillan, born October 24, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, in the Dallas area, surrounded by love.

The daughter of the late John Wesley Todd and Cornelia Mitchell Todd, Ellen spent her formative years in Jackson, graduating in the 1968 class of Jim Hill High School before attending Tougaloo College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Literature in 1973. Her passion for writing, television and film led her to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Drama and Communications, which she earned in 1991 from the University of New Orleans.

Ellen made New Orleans her home for most of her adult life, where she dedicated herself to teaching and mentoring countless college students. She taught mass communications, photojournalism, print and broadcast journalism, television production and related history, theory and writing courses at several institutions, including Delgado Community College, Dillard University, Southern University, and Xavier University. Her commitment to education and her gift for communication left a lasting impact on her students.

Affectionately known as “Ayo” (which means “joy” in Yoruba) by family and friends, Ellen was a woman of grace, intellect, and strength. She was deeply rooted in her commitment to her family and to the education and liberation of black people.

Ellen was also passionate about the arts. She found joy and expression through photography, capturing everyday beauty with a thoughtful eye. Her love for visual art and music enriched her life and those around her, reflecting an artistic spirit and deep appreciation for culture, history, and the human experience.

Ellen is survived by her loving children: son Stephen Wesley Todd, and daughters Asilia Backus (Adarrylreo R. Backus) and Endelea McMillan; six beloved grandchildren: Zachary Wesley Todd, Xavier Whalen Todd, L. Christian McMillan, Jaylen Christopher Backus, Saraia Camaryn Backus, and Chad Christian Jack Jordan; her devoted sister Lois Todd Jones; her brothers Jonathan Todd, Dexter Jabar Todd, and Markeith Todd; and her cherished nieces and nephews: Frank Caswell Todd III, Tayari Jones, Timia Jones, John Matlock Todd, Joi Todd, Mark Todd, Wesley Todd, Jacqueline Honer and Jackie Honer.

Ellen was preceded in death by her brothers, Samuel Love Jr. and John Wesley Todd Jr., whose memories she carried with love and reverence.

She will be deeply missed by a host of extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues who will continue to celebrate her life and legacy.

Ellen’s life will be honored in a Celebration of Life service at North Jackson Baptist Church on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.