THE OBITUARY
ETHEL MAE HARLEY was born on January 24, 1939 in Blackville, Barnwell County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Frank Harley, Sr. and Mrs. Ethel Mae Dulve-Harley.
Seeking God’s direction and guidance, at an early age she joined Mount Zion Baptist Church in Lees, South Carolina. Ethel attended the public schools of Blackville, South Carolina. In 1958 she moved to New York City, there she met her common law mate, the late Isreal Howard, Jr. While Ethel had many jobs, her final job was working as a Home Health Aide. Ethel retired from being a Home Health Aide when her health became too much of an issue for her to continue her duties. Ethel was a faithful member of Shekinah Glory, which met in Wadleigh High School. It was there that Reverend Robert Earl ordained her to be the first “Mother of The Church”. Ethel was a loving, caring, and wonderful lady. She has so much love for people and she did not let her illness stop her from helping those in need. She was a babysitter and a second mom to so many of the children in her W. 114th Street neighborhood. Ethel loved to sit outside with her baby sister, Dorothy and eat sunflower seeds and talk to people as they passed by. Freezing cold Pepsi Cola with peanuts was one of her beloved beverages. But her most favorite treat was Baskin Robbins Butter Pecan ice cream. If Ethel was told that she was not supposed to eat that, she would give you the “ugly” look. She will be truly, deeply, profoundly, and sorely missed.
She was preceded in death and now resting with: her beloved parents: father, Frank Harley, Sr. and mother, Ethel D. Harley; (6) six brothers: Frank Harley, Jr., Nathaniel Johnson, Frank Harley, Jr. I., Frank Harley, Jr. II., James Harley, Sr. and Willie Harley; and (3) three sisters: Katherine Harley Sanders, Evelyn Harley Jones, and Clary Ella Harley Odom.
Those remaining to cherish fond memories are: her loving children: daughters: Elizabeth, Patricia and Valerie of New York City, New York and son: Ronnie of New York City, New York; one stepson: Michael Jenkins of North Carolina; adopted children: Theodore, Syreeta, and Evelyn; two sisters: Hattie Harley of Blackville, South Carolina and Dorothy H. Ray of New York City, New York; two brothers: Joseph Harley and Deacon William Harley (Elouise) both of Blackville, South Carolina; 2 sisters-in-law; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; 1 unborn great-grandchild; 2 unborn great-great-grandchildren; 1 goddaughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends who will miss her dearly.
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