Ethel R. Smith was born October 16, 1935, to the late Thelma Harris and Clayton Staten in Emporia, VA. They were educated in the school system there. Ethel later met John M. Smith in Emporia, VA, and they were united in Holy matrimony on April 2, 1965. They were blessed with eight children. In 1966 the family relocated to New York City. There Ethel opened her home for many years to care for individuals with disabilities. Ethel was baptized as a Jehovah Witness over fifty years ago. She served as a pioneer for many years and opened her home for group Bible study weekly. Ethel was a very loving and caring woman whom everyone loved and adorned. She could often be found cooking, which she enjoyed doing immensely, inviting her children, grandchildren, and bethelites over once a month for dinner. Ethel will always be remembered and cherished as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. On June 10, 2024, Ethel departed this earth. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, John Smith; sons, Jerry Stroy, Alvin Smith, Melvin Smith; and daughter, Sarah Sanders. She leaves to cherish her memory four daughters: Ethel J. Smith (Wayne), Gloria A. Martin-Smith (Ronald), Thelma L. Smith, Tina A. Boone (Shedrick); twenty eight grandchildren; sixty-four great grands; and a host of great great grands. A funeral service for Ethel will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Sellers Funeral Home, 297 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201, with Brother Rick Vanderau officiating. A time of visitation will be held an hour prior the service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sellersfuneralhome.com.
