Ethel Lene Gay

Ethel " Madea" Williams also know as "Etha" was born to Melissa and Crawford Williams on September 16, 1916 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Ethel was the forth of ten children born to this union and one of the two remaining siblings. She attended public school in Natchitoches Parish were she was raised. She accepted Christ at an early age and served the Lord until her departure. Ethel was united in marriage to Dessie Gay in 1939 and to this union three children were born. Ethel loved her six children and was a firm, loving, and a provider who was compassionate about being a part of her children's lives. Ethel moved to Dallas, Texas in 1963 where she worked as a domestic engineer both publicly and privately for over 20 years. Ethel enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grand and great grand children. Ethel commonly called "Madea" by her grand children was stern but loving and adored sowing and cooking. "Madea," was always upbeat, energetic and on the move, and had a fondness for singing. In recent years you would catch her singing the phrase "Deep down in my heart, in my heart," in which she taught the grand children. Ethel was also known to be an encourager always using songs from her heart as a tool to minister and help others. "Madea," was a faithful church goer who loved the Lord with all of her heart and raised her children to do the same. "Praise the Lord! Thank you Jesus!" were many of the shouts you would here her say. Ethel was received home on, Thursday, October 4 at 7:05pm at the age of 96. Ethel was greeted in heaven by her mother, Melissa and father, Crawford, along with her four sisters and four brothers and son Ray. She leaves to cherish her memories her sister Audrey Jones (Los Angeles,CA), son Dorsey Gay (Kansas City, Kansas), four daughters Shirley Williams (Houston,Texas), Mary Jones (Houston,Texas), Ronnye Blunt (Houston,Texas) and Ronnye Ogundu (Dallas, Texas). Medea has sixteen grand children and forty five great grand children and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.