It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lillian Scott Ellrod, who left this world on June 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving daughters.

Lillian was born on May 22, 1933, in McColl, South Carolina. She was loving, gracious, and a joy to everyone who knew her. she was preceded in death by the love of her life, Tom, whom she often said had married her at 17 “to raise her.” Together, they shared 66 happy years of marriage and raised four daughters. Her greatest passion was caring for her family and making sure everyone was happy and well fed.

Great memories were made while traveling across the country and internationally with Tom, the girls, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than family trips to the Caribbean and spending time at the river house on the Pamlico.

As a beautician, she loved her clients and formed many lifelong friendships.

She is survived by daughters, Susan Ellrod, Dorothy Smith (Chips), Lisa Gay (Will) and Becky Bartley (Charlie); her grandchildren: Traye Smith (Noura), Brandon Smith (Emily), Hunter Gay (Laura), Stuart Gay (Sarah) and Claire Bartley; and her great grandchildren: Lilly Smith, Elsa Smith, Hartley Smith, Levi Smith, James Gay, Wesley Gay, Charles Gay, and Mary Carlyle Gay.

The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers who supported her over the years.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place afterward at Edgecombe Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina 27565 or to your favorite charity.