Ethel Corrine Honemond

In Loving Memory of Ms. Ethel Corrine Fisher Honemond

February 14, 1921 – October 16, 2025

Ms. Ethel Corrine Fisher Honemond was born on February 14, 1921, in Sellman, Maryland, the ninth of fourteen children born to the late Maurice Kemp and Dora Estella (Simms) Fisher. She was a proud daughter of a legacy rooted in strength, faith, and perseverance — a lineage that rose from the soil of struggle to the sunlight of purpose.

A product of the Sellman Negro School and Lincoln High School (Class of 1938), Ethel began her professional journey through the National Youth Administration before pursuing work in the federal government. Passing the Civil Service Examination in 1942, she began as a messenger in the War Department and rose through the ranks to serve in the Pentagon and Washington Navy Yard. Her excellence was recognized with numerous commendations, a top rating from IBM Wiring School, and distinction as one of the earliest Black women in computer data processing. After thirty-six years of government service, she embarked on a second career with Sears as a Customer Service Representative until 1984.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Ethel accepted Christ at nineteen and joined Mt. Zion United Methodist Church (now West Montgomery UMC), where she served faithfully for decades as a singer, usher, Communion Steward, and member of the United Methodist Women, Secret Pal, and Willing Workers ministries. She sang with the Victory Melody Chorus, The Sunbeam Five, and later, The Voices of Praise — still lifting her voice in song just two weeks before her passing at 104. Her favorite scriptures were Psalm 23 and Romans 8:28, and her favorite hymns — What a Friend We Have in Jesus and Great Is Thy Faithfulness — echoed the faith she lived every day.

Ethel’s love extended beyond the church to her community. As a member of the Randle Highlands Civic Association, she served as a phone-tree leader, ensuring her neighborhood stayed connected and informed. Known affectionately as the “R Street Grandmother,” she walked the children of her neighborhood to and from school, offering them safety, encouragement, and belonging. She volunteered at Randle Highlands Elementary School, worked with the Boy Scouts of America, served over two decades with the Board of Elections, and contributed to the Women’s Health Initiative to improve women’s lives for generations to come.

She was the proud mother of Rosemary (Odell), grandmother to Jason (Sherron) and Melvin, and great-grandmother to Riley, Noah, Amari, Sincere, and Sean, who affectionately called her “Mom.” To her sister, extended family, many godchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends, she was a guiding light — warm, wise, and unwaveringly present.

Stylish, witty, and full of life, Ms. Honemond was known for her humor, sharp memory, and timeless fashion. She loved bowling, dancing, traveling, and cheering on her favorite teams — the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors. She believed in treating people right, showing love, and safeguarding integrity.

For 104 years, she modeled what it means to live with grace and purpose. Her legacy is one of faith in God, devotion to family, commitment to community, and love that knew no limits. She leaves behind a village forever shaped by her kindness and strength.

Her life was her ministry. Her service was her song. Her love was her legacy.

For those who cannot attend the Celebration of Life for Ethel Corrine Fisher Honemond in person, you can attend virtually via YouTube by going to https://www.youtube.com/@WestMontgomeryUMC/streams