Mrs. Ethel L. Hersey

Ethel Lucille Hersey was born on September 19, 1942 in Meridian, Mississippi to the late Virgil Cotton and Lucy Jones Cotton-Ratcliff. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal savior. Ethel graduated from I.J. Harris High School in 1959. She continued her education at Jackson State University where she pursued a degree in Elementary Education. After working in the Meridian Public School System, she became employed with the State of Mississippi, first working at Mattie Hersee Hospital. After the closure of Mattie Hersee, she became employed with East Mississippi State Hospital where she worked until retirement in June 2010. For over 20 years, Ethel was a faithful member of Fifth Street Baptist Church where she served in several ministries. Upon her demise, she was the vice president of the missionary ministry. Ethel was also a member of the First New Hope Congress of Christian Education/Women's Auxiliary. She was a long time member of several well known organizations. She served as president of the Meridian Optimist Club from 1992-1994 and continued to be a long time member after she held office. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and a member of the I.B.P.O. Elks of the World R. B. Matthews Temple #739 for over 40 years where she held several official positions and was recognized for her dedicated service and received numerous rewards. Ethel united in holy matrimony to the late Joe Hersey. She was a loving and devoted mother to her five children, Cathy (Douglas) Graham of Meridian, MS, Linda Burson of Birmingham, AL, Tyrone Hersey of Jack-son, MS, Michael Hersey of Birmingham, AL, and Camille (Eugene) Washington of Columbus, MS. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil Cotton and Lucy Cot-ton-Ratcliff, and three brothers, Virgil Cotton, Jr., Tom Cotton and Clyde Cotton. In addition to her children, she leaves a lifetime of memories to be cherished by her sister, Lucindi Allen; her brother, Johnny (Dorothy) Cotton both of St. Paul, MN; two sisters-in-law, Bridie Cotton and Loraine Hersey both of Meridian, MS; six grandchildren, Latrice Thompson, Brandon, Jaamal and Terrence Elkins, Wykennta, Tasha and Tydarius Hersey, and Vinee Washington; five great-grandchildren, Jaliyah Griffin, Aundreya Blanks, Zion Robinson, Kameron Lee, and Braylen Buchanan. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Ethel L. Hersey

September 19, 1942 - July 22, 2024