Ethel Stone Smith

Ethel Stone Smith lived an amazing 94 years and passed from this life to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on 11/20/2023 at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. Ethel was born on 05/12/1929 to Hazel Stone (Ladner) and Claude Howard (C.H.) Stone Senior in Gulfport, Mississippi. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Smith, parents Hazel and C.H. Stone Sr. and brother C .H. Stone Jr. Ethel is survived by her four children: Kathyrn Johnson, Karen Reagan, Jamie Brown (Tammy) and Steve Brown (Kathy). Grandchildren: Lee Johnson (Janet), Karon Stone, Matthew Reagan (Nikole) and Jared Brown (Andrea). 6 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter. Ethel graduated from Gulfport High School in 1947. She had many careers in her lifetime but some of her favorites include owning her own ice cream shop in Brooklyn, MI and being able to work at the place she loved so much, Ship Island through Ship Island Excursions. Ethel thought every time she got to be back on the island was a blessing. Ethel was actively involved with Club 47 which consisted of Gulfport High School graduates from 1947. She was also a member of the Historical Society of Gulfport and loved to tell stories about growing up as the lighthouse keeper’s daughter on Ship Island. Ethel was known to family and friends as “Doodles” or “Doots”. She enjoyed traveling and living life to the fullest. Ethel kept this important message in her wallet: “Life shouldn’t be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting….Wow, what a ride! Thank you Lord!” With this in mind Ethel earned her pilot’s license at 53. Ethel always wanted everyone to “Count your blessings” and “Do the best you can do”. Ethel loved her family unconditionally and always tried to be present for events (reunions, weddings, graduations, babies). Ethel enjoyed talking about history, bird watching and looking at maps. Ethel will be missed by her family and friends deeply. Funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army, Historical Society of Gulfport or any charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.archLheadywestport.com for the Smith family.