Obituary for Ethel Gaither (Gorum)
John 11:25-26 " Jesus said unto her, " I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me...
.The Family Tribute
Earth has no sorrow, that heaven cannot heal…
Mrs. Ethel Gorum Gaither, was born in Bertie County 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 home in Statesville, NC following an extended illness.
Ethel was a proud graduate of High School receiving her GED and was given the diploma on July 9, meeting at the Iredell-Statesville Schools, Board of Education. Gaither, who was 74 at the time, got the attention of I-SS Superintendent Brady Johnson at a community event, Johnson said. Gaither had been working toward her GED at Mitchell Community College since 2009, and had one test to go. Johnson said he was so impressed with her dedication that he put a plan in motion to present Gaither with the school system’ first-ever honorary diploma. “God opened this door for me,” Gaither said during a recent visit to the Record and Landmark, as she held tight to the mounted document. She worked as a Sales clerk at Goodwill, and was a dedicated and faithful member of Community Baptist Church where she served on several committees and organizations and Ruthie’s Day Care Center.
She leaves to cherish the memory of her life; her aunt, Emma Lipton of Virginia Beach; the Gaither Sisters, a niece, Anita Heckstall of Windsor, a nephew, Tony Heckstall of Windsor, NC; two special daughters, Ms. Darba Skaf and Ms. Brandie Bruner; several cousins including, Ruth Scott of Atlantic City, NJ, the Rouse family of Virginia, , the Bunch, the Warren and the Jordan families of North Carolina; her caretakers, Brucilla “Nikki” Guest of Statesville and Patricia King, both of Statesville; her closet friends, Ms. Mary H. Turner, Ms. Maggie Turner, Rev. Isaac Pettis and The Community Baptist Church Family, Phyllis Smith, Ms. Cora Bennett, Rev. L. C. McKaskill, other relatives and friends… and if I’ve missed your name, please forgive me.
Rest on Little Mommy, and take your rest.
We love you, but our Heavenly Father
Loved you best.!”
…that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope, (Romans 15) God has given us our church family, neighbors and dear friends, to help us as we go forward. God’s Word has been manifested through your many expressions of sympathy and support; we praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you for honoring the memory of our beloved Mama Ethel and for remembering us during her illness and passing. a special thanks to, Ms. Darba Skaf and Ms. Brandy Bruner, Gordon Hospice House, the Mayor of Statesville, The Statesville Housing Authority and Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home. If we’ve missed your name, please forgive us. In our risen Lord, we have peace that passes all understanding. The Family
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 6:00 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.
.The Family Tribute
Earth has no sorrow, that heaven cannot heal…
Mrs. Ethel Gorum Gaither, was born in Bertie County 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 home in Statesville, NC following an extended illness.
Ethel was a proud graduate of High School receiving her GED and was given the diploma on July 9, meeting at the Iredell-Statesville Schools, Board of Education. Gaither, who was 74 at the time, got the attention of I-SS Superintendent Brady Johnson at a community event, Johnson said. Gaither had been working toward her GED at Mitchell Community College since 2009, and had one test to go. Johnson said he was so impressed with her dedication that he put a plan in motion to present Gaither with the school system’ first-ever honorary diploma. “God opened this door for me,” Gaither said during a recent visit to the Record and Landmark, as she held tight to the mounted document. She worked as a Sales clerk at Goodwill, and was a dedicated and faithful member of Community Baptist Church where she served on several committees and organizations and Ruthie’s Day Care Center.
She leaves to cherish the memory of her life; her aunt, Emma Lipton of Virginia Beach; the Gaither Sisters, a niece, Anita Heckstall of Windsor, a nephew, Tony Heckstall of Windsor, NC; two special daughters, Ms. Darba Skaf and Ms. Brandie Bruner; several cousins including, Ruth Scott of Atlantic City, NJ, the Rouse family of Virginia, , the Bunch, the Warren and the Jordan families of North Carolina; her caretakers, Brucilla “Nikki” Guest of Statesville and Patricia King, both of Statesville; her closet friends, Ms. Mary H. Turner, Ms. Maggie Turner, Rev. Isaac Pettis and The Community Baptist Church Family, Phyllis Smith, Ms. Cora Bennett, Rev. L. C. McKaskill, other relatives and friends… and if I’ve missed your name, please forgive me.
Rest on Little Mommy, and take your rest.
We love you, but our Heavenly Father
Loved you best.!”
…that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope, (Romans 15) God has given us our church family, neighbors and dear friends, to help us as we go forward. God’s Word has been manifested through your many expressions of sympathy and support; we praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you for honoring the memory of our beloved Mama Ethel and for remembering us during her illness and passing. a special thanks to, Ms. Darba Skaf and Ms. Brandy Bruner, Gordon Hospice House, the Mayor of Statesville, The Statesville Housing Authority and Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home. If we’ve missed your name, please forgive us. In our risen Lord, we have peace that passes all understanding. The Family
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 6:00 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.