ETHEL YOUNG

Ethel Marie was born October 21, 1942, in Corsicana Texas, the youngest child of Dan Oliver Sutton Sr. and Lettie Mable Smith. The family moved the Mineral Wells, Texas when she was 8 years old. She graduated as class valedictorian from Dunbar High School in 1961. Ethel met and married the love of her life Robert Young in 1963. Their union was blessed with five children: Melonie Ann (Nonie), Vanessa Marie (Nessa), Robin Renee (Bobbie), Robert Leonard Jr. (Len), and Daniel Douglas (D.D.).

In the late 1970’s, Ethel was hired as a civilian clerk/typist at Kelly Air Force Base where she began her long career as a Federal Civil Service employee. A few years later, she then transferred to Ft. Sam Houston Military Base where she was promoted to a Human Resource Specialist in Student Personal and remained in that role until her well-earned retirement in January 2007.

Ethel navigated her children through their growing years and made sure they got to where they needed to be. She attended every school play, church practice or program, band concerts, JROTC functions, basketball, football, and volleyball games, and track meets in support of her children.

After successfully raising her three oldest children, Ethel attended and graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in applied arts and sciences in 1983. Ethel attended Second Baptist Church and was a devoted member of several church auxiliaries: Sanctuary Choir, Chancel Choir, Gospel Pearls, Sanctuary Tones, Comforters Choir, Advent and Lenten Choirs, Rebecca Circle, Women’s Missionary Union, the Baptist Fellowship Hour, Sunday School teacher, and a member of Sunday School class #1. Ethel co-chaired one of the annual Men’s and Women’s Day programs. On Mother’s Day 2017, she was awarded the title of “Mother of the Year” by her church family. Ethel enjoyed participating in senior line dancing, going to yoga classes and listening to gospel music.

Ethel Marie Sutton-Young passed on June 24, 2024, and is preceded in death by her precious parents; loving husband Robert Leonard Young Sr.; granddaughter Taylor Lewis; sisters, Rubye Doris Holliman, Annie Pearl Cade, Bettye Ruth Summerfield, and brother Dan Oliver Sutton Jr. Ethel is survived by her children, brothers-in-law Rev. Clarence Holliman, Rev. Tommy Snow, Zanny Snow, sister-in law Renita Upshaw, cousins Annie Jewel Miller and Carolyn Wakefield. Grandchildren are Brandon Young, Tigh Lewis, Brittani Clarkson (Walter Jr.), Torri Lewis, and Kearra Williams; great-grandchildren Alishia, Jakai, Jessalyn, Walter III, Brandon, and Jaylon. Ethel also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, church family members and friends.