Mrs. Weathersby went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 27, 2021. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 3 at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church Clinton. Pallbearers will be, Randy Crawford, Caleb Ford, Bobby Foster, Taylor McKee, Ryan Nichols and Jason Tucker. Honorary Pallbearer will be Cpl. Jake Weathersby, USMC. Facemasks and social distancing practices will be required.
Mrs. Weathersby was born in Franklin Parish, LA on January 22, 1924 to the late Jimmie Lee and Leatha Busby. She graduated from Crowville High School in 1941. After graduation, she enrolled in the three year nursing program at Mercy Hospital in Vicksburg, MS. While there, she was awarded a March of Dimes Scholarship in orthopedic nursing at Boston University. Ethel moved to Boston where she lived, worked, and studied for one year. She returned to Vicksburg after her year in Boston and started working in the polio ward at Mercy Hospital until May 1951. Ready for a change, she moved to Jackson, MS in May of 1951 and began her career at the Veterans Administration Hospital. During this time she met Mack Weathersby, who was also employed at the VA. Their first date was in September 1952, and they were married on December 31, 1952 in the chapel of the old VA Hospital. They moved to Clinton in 1955, became members of First Baptist Church in Clinton, and settled in to family life with the birth of their three children, Paul, Sandra, and Phillip. In the fall of 1965, Ethel enrolled in the University of MS School of Nursing in order to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She graduated in June of 1966. During her career at the VA, Ethel worked as a staff nurse, supervisor and nursing education instructor. She retired in January 1982 after 31 years of service. Ethel and Mack continued to support the VA with their involvement in NARFE for many years.
They enjoyed their retirement years together by being active with their friends, family, and seven grandchildren. Their family has grown and now includes eight great grandchildren. “Packie” has touched many lives through the years. Her love and nurture has left profound imprint on our hearts. She has been a wonderful example of a Godly woman, an unselfish person with a true servant’s heart.
The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to “The Fabulous Five”, the group of five ladies, who have been mom’s caregivers and companion in her later years, Nancy Randall, Paulette Myrick, Shirley Crews, Joyce Daniels and Martha Bradford. We are forever thankful for your kindness, dedication and excellent care. We also appreciate and thank the staff of Brookdale Clinton.
Mrs. Weathersby is preceded in death by her husband, Mack Rhea Weathersby; parents; siblings, Vester Busby, Doyle Dean, Earline Bailey, Willie Mae Morse, and Jarrell Busby.
She is survived by her children, Paul Weathersby (Beth), Sandra Cain (Ray), Phillip Weathersby (Sherrill); grandchildren, Elizabeth Weathersby, Laura Nichols (Ryan), Erica Tucker (Jason), Olivia Ford (Caleb), Blair Foster (Bobby), Catherine McKee (Taylor), Jake Weathersby; and great grandchildren, Cameron, Catherine, Luke, Mark, Sam, Bennett, Evelyn, and Lillie.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to First Baptist Church Clinton, 100 East College St, Clinton, MS 39056
Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for the online guestbook.
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