Ethelreen Ezell

Ethelreen Williams was born on May 9, 1947, in Butler, Alabama, to the late Onnie Williams Sr. and Irene (Miner) Brown. During her early childhood, she attended school in Mobile, Alabama. At the age of 15, her mother relocated the family to Houston, Delaware, where Ethelreen continued her education. Education was a cornerstone of her life, and she fought tirelessly to earn her G.E.D. by her mid-fifties. A natural educator, she raised her younger siblings, a host of nieces and nephews, and three generations of her own legacy, always encouraging the pursuit of education. Her home served as a hub of learning-a schoolhouse and library for both children and adults. An avid reader, Ethelreen inspired a deep love of learning in all who crossed her path.

As a young woman, Ethelreen worked in agriculture alongside her mother before gaining employment at Swift Company in Felton, Delaware. In pursuit of new opportunities, she made a bold move to Cleveland, Ohio-a city that became her cherished home. There, she began a long and dedicated career at Kaiser Permanente, retiring after more than 30 years of faithful service.

Ethelreen was the proud and devoted mother of one son, Donnie Boy'a Williams, the love of her life. She provided him with structure, discipline, and spiritual guidance, values that inspired his career in the Armed Forces. Her pride in his accomplishments was evident, as she often shared his uniformed photos with joy and admiration. In 1986, Ethelreen married Herbert Ezell, with whom she shared 23 years of loving companionship.

Known affectionately as a "Shining Light," Ethelreen's heart was the largest part of her petite frame. Fearless and compassionate, she stood firm in the face of adversity and loved unconditionally. Her home was always open, offering a place of refuge to anyone in need. As the matriarch of 22 siblings, she led with unmatched strength, humility, and grace. Her journey on earth was marked by unwavering faith in God, which sustained her through life's many challenges, including two triumphant battles with breast cancer. Her favorite scripture, "The Lord's Prayer" (Matthew 6:9-13), was a constant source of strength and was often recited during her long and heartfelt conversations.

Ethelreen was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Ezell; her grandmother, Ethel Humphrey; her mother Irene Brown; two brothers, Johnnie Lee Williams, and Onnie Williams Jr.; her sisters, Rosa Bell, Charlene Watson, and Sherylene Brown; her uncle, Hodges "Ray" Williamson; and her aunt, Rosa Lee Woolford.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Donnie Boy'a Williams; grandson, Eric Jordan Vicario; and great-granddaughter, Amelia Vicario. She is also survived by her maternal brothers: Robert Williams, Iris Williams, Troy (Deborah) Williams, James (Jean) Miner, Louis (Sharonetta) Miner, and Moses Cooper III; maternal sisters: Coreen (James) Harris and Lorraine Dittman; paternal brothers: Curtis Williams, Emmanuel (Sheryl) Williams, Kent Williams, Russell Williams, and Lee Williams; paternal sisters: Carolyn Howard, Jacquelyn (Andre) Battle, Willivera Williams, and Celestine Lee; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ethelreen's legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.