Brazoria County confirms its first death from coronavirus: Pearland woman

Brazoria County confirmed it’s first death as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The county shared the information on social media Monday afternoon:

We are saddened to report our first Brazoria County COVID-19 related death – the individual was a female between the ages of 75-85 and resided in Pearland. As our cases continue to increase, we ask residents to take the Stay Safe @ Home Order seriously.

Ellen Shaw, 79 years old was a wife, mother and lifelong resident of Pearland, Tx.

In a Facebook post, her son shared:

My mom went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this morning. There is an overwhelming peace to know that she is home. Ellen was a citizen of the household of God and has been welcomed home by her Father. I am thankful for the 43 years I was able to know her. Nothing is perfect here on this side of heaven but she is with the perfect one now. We still only know in part and have this time and space to try to wrap our finite minds around it all. I am thankful for the peace of The Holy Spirit and knowing that the cornerstone of her life is the Cornerstone in mine, Jesus Christ. As seems appropriate, her passing on a Sunday is a day that we gather as the saints…albeit online and separate, we are together. Thank you to all who have been and will be part of her story and ours as a family. Love to all

Her husband, John Shaw is a retired television news photographer who worked for KHOU-TV for 40 years.

A friend of the family shared a sweet story about the couple. Shortly after John and Ellen were married, John received a phone call from famous producer Don Hewitt. Don offered him a job with “60 Minutes.” The show would require that he spend a great deal of time traveling. John declined the job offer, putting his love for Ellen above his professional advancement.

The man who accepted the job ended up divorced.