Ethel Waites

She Attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Galveston, and was educated in its elementary school under the guidance of the Sisters of the Holy Family. She attended and graduated from Central High School in 1945.

At the Age of 15, Ethel attended Prairie View University in Hempstead, Texas, and enrolled in a two year secretarial course. After receiving Class honors she was employed as a secretary to the Dean of Instruction, Dr. J.M. Drew, for the Undergraduate and Graduate Divisions at Prairie View. One of the first students to have held that position. Meanwhile, she enrolled in courses leading to her Bachelor of Arts Degree, plus additional courses preparing her for a career in teaching.

In December of 1951 Ethel married Leroy A. Waites, a fellow Prairie View Student who was a Lieutenant in the Army and one of the First Black Officers in Charge of an Integrated Combat unit during the Korean Conflict. In February 1952, Ethel moved to Los Angeles, California to join her husband who was assigned duty at Camp Roberts. To this union were born four children: Sheila Annette, Carlos Andre, Sylvia Teresa, and Rafael Emile.

When Sheila was eight years old, Leroy was diagnosed with “Combat Fatigue” causing Ethel to become the sole provider of her young family. Ethel worked as a secretary in private industry to support them. The family attended St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Compton. The children received their catholic education at St Albert’s Elementary School, Regina Caeli l and Verbum Dei High Schools.

In February, 1978 she began teaching in the Compton Unified School District. For more than twenty years she helped to shape student’s minds, and was a living example to many young men and women until her retirement from teaching in June of 1999.

While a Member of St. Albert’s She participated the Rosary and the Bible Study Group and was an early member of the Gospel Choir. She delightfully proclaimed the Holy Scriptures as a lecturer for her Parish. One of Her greatest joy was being a Eucharistic, Minister, as she would visit sick and shut in members of her church to give them communion and prayer. Additionally, Ethel was a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary Knights of Peter Claver Court 306 where she dutifully served on many boards.

Ethel enjoyed going to the Dollarhide Senior Center to socialize and partake of their many activities. She also loved the Turn Around Trips, and any Religious Retreats she could sign up for. She even travelled to Jerusalem and put her hand on the wailing wall. She enjoyed the theater, playing the piano and serving others.

Ethel was preceded in death by her Sister Agnes Marie Thomas and her daughter Sylvia Teresa Waites. She is survived by her youngest sister; Bessie Mae Smith; Her Children; Sheila , Carlos and Rafael. Her Daughter-In-Law’; Catherine and Cecelia Waites. Her grandchildren; (in order of birth) Marquel Waites, Stephanie Hayes Mitchell, Kyla Waites, Lauren Waites, Joselyn Waites, Joshua Waites and Jalen Waites. Her great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of other loving family members and friends.

Ethel will be known as a “Peace Maker” serving in the Army of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ethel gives all honor and glory to the Blessed Trinity, and gives special devotions to the Blessed Mother Mary. Ethel gives thanks to God for his many Blessings and for her wonderful life.