Ethel L. Chastain

Ethel L. Chastain, age 90, died Sunday, December 16, 2012 at Mount Carmel East Hospital. Ethel was born in Murphy, North Carolina on January 11, 1922, the daughter of Minnie Belle (Ivester) and Abner Martie Chastain. She was a Federal Civil Service Employee for over 40 years. Ethel’s service included working in the Press Secretary’s Office at the White House during the Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon Administrations. She reported directly to President Kennedy’s Press Secretary Pierre Salinger and President Johnson’s Press Secretary Bill Moyers. Ethel also worked directly with Liz Carpenter, the Social Secretary to Lady Bird Johnson. After her retirement she worked in the Communications Office of Spartanburg, SC Regional Medical Center. Ethel was an active member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). She was a founding member of Ben Avon United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, SC; a member of The Ohio State University Faculty Club, and was a strong supporter of the Columbus Symphony and Ballet Met. Ethel attended Broad Street Presbyterian Church while residing in Columbus. Besides her parents, Ethel is preceded in death by her siblings Irene Chastain Emory, Anne Chastain Richards, Willis Martie Chastain and Cecil Edward Chastain. Ethel is survived by her sister Doris Chastain Solesby of Nashville, TN; her loving nephew and caregiver for 27 years Marty Richards of New Albany, and was loved by many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 3:00pm Thursday, December 20, 2012 at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, 760 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205 with Rev. Amy Miracle and Rev. Ann Palmerton officiating. A private interment will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Spartanburg, SC with a memorial service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in Ethel’s memory be made to Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203. Arrangements by Schoedinger Midtown Chapel. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a condolence.