Ella “Tootsie” Gardner Chitwood passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023. Tootsie was born in New Orleans, LA in 1942. As a child she would move with her family to Mobile, AL. She was a lifelong learner. She attended Murphy High School, went on to further her studies at Mary Washington College in Virginia, The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and the University of Tennessee Martin. She completed her Bachelor of Science and would later pursue additional post graduate degrees. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling, her designation of Psychometry and her advanced professional degree as an Educational Specialist with a concentration in counseling. Tootsie spent her professional career in different capacities in the education system. She served for many years as a teacher at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, a Psychometrist at the Mobile Infirmary and would ultimately retire as a Counselor in the Mobile County Public School System. Tootsie was very active in her church, Ashland Place United Methodist Church, and served as a Stephens Minister.
Upon her retirement, she followed her dreams of world travel. Throughout her travels she visited 6 continents and experienced many wonderful visits to dozens of countries. She loved to share the stories of her adventures. When she wasn’t traveling she was an avid reader, enjoyed laughing with her friends, and would spend much of her focus on her family. Tootsie loved the time she would spend with her children, granddaughters, and her sidekick Buster.
Tootsie is survived by her daughter, Katie Chitwood Coleman (Chase) of Fort Worth, TX, her; son, Will Chitwood (Lacey) of Lake Oconee, GA; her grandchildren, Ella Ryals Coleman and Kate Coleman; and her brother Dr. Lloyd Gardner of Fairhope. She is preceded in death by her parents, Howard Keith Gardner and Eva Estelle Gardner; her brother, James Gardner, and sister; Nancy Gardner Ashley.
Services will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Ashland Place United Methodist Church, 15 Wisteria Avenue, Mobile, AL 36607. A visitation will take place at the church beginning at 11:30 a.m. immediately followed by the funeral services at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Government Street United Methodist Church and Ashland Place United Methodist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
