Ms. Ethel Gaither was born in Bertie County, N.C., on September 11, 1943, and was the daughter of the late Mary Jordan and Robert Gorum. She departed this life on Monday, May 10, 2021, at her residence following an extended illness.

Ethel was a proud graduate of high school. She worked as a sales clerk at Goodwill.

She leaves to cherish the memory of her life her aunt, Emma Lipton of Virginia Beach; niece, Anita Heckstall of Windsor; nephew, Tony Heckstall Powell; cousins, Ruth Scott of Atlantic City, N.J., Rouse, Bunch, Warren and Jordan families; caretakers, Priscilla “Nikki” Guest of Statesville, Patricia King, Mae Helen Turner, Rev. Pettie and church family; other relatives and dear friends.

Special thanks to Gordon Hospice House, the mayor of Statesville, the Housing Authority and Rutledge and Bigham.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 6 p.m. at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home. Reverend Pettie will officiate.

Visit the Book of Memories for Ms. Gaither at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Gaither Family.