Ethel Lee DeBrew

Ethel Lee DeBrew (née Booker) ascended into an ancestor peacefully with family at her bedside on Thursday, May 30, at the age of 86. She was the loving daughter of the late Thomas and Florence Booker (née Stoney); devoted wife of the late Ronald C. DeBrew; and baby sister to brother, Horace; and late sisters, Jeanette and Sarah. Ethel met the love of her life, Ronald, at a dance in Harlem in 1955. They entered into holy matrimony on May 24, 1958. From their union came two wonderful children, Darren and Adrienne. Their bond would span the next six decades until his passing in 2020. Known for her raucous laugh with its warm, beaming smile, Ethel could light up a room with her charm, banter and sharp, quick wit. Ethel always had a passion for knowledge which illuminated every aspect of her life. She was a dedicated career educator in the New York City public school system. An avid reader, an adventurous global traveler, and even a gardener on occasion, she was never afraid to try new things. Later in life, Ethel embraced the Jehovah’s Witnesses and continued her life of learning as a member of the Dorey Park congregation. She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Horace; her children, Darren and Adrienne; her grandson, Mark; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and a host of friends and fellow congregants. A visitation for Ethel will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 South Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23231.