ETHEL HASKET

Ethel Jean Collins was born in Dallas, Texas on January 10, 1952 to the parentage of the late Norma Jean Collins and late Nathaniel Wilson Senior. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Lubbock, Texas where she spent most of her younger years. As a small child she had Polio and as a survivor of Polio had to undergo several surgeries which included living the remainder of her life with a metal rod in her left arm; none of which stopped Ethel from living and loving life! She attended elementary school in Lubbock and continued her education in the Dallas Independent School District when her family relocated back to Dallas. She gave birth to two daughters: Michelle Wilson and Annetta Rena’ Collins. Becoming a young single mother did not allow her the opportunity to earn a high school diploma; not having a diploma did not stop her desire for continued learning. She had a joy for reading and self-development and went on to complete her G.E.D. as an adult-learner at El Centro College. Ethel’s knowledge, kindness and willingness to help others was something that everyone who met her experienced. If you needed advice, counsel, or just someone to talk with – she would lend an ear, hand, shoulder and YES, advice too! She met Michael Brown her life-partner in 1988; he was her best friend and companion for over 30 years until his passing in November 2018. They did not have children together, however Michael was a wonderful stepdad to Ethel’s two daughters. Ethel was in the housekeeping and service industry until she retired from working at The Goodwill Industries due to her disability, which we came to know after research and many doctor visits as Post-Polio Syndrome. Yes, her childhood illness came back in a new form causing chronic pain in the joints and muscles. Just like before, it did not stop Ethel from living a full and complete life. She gave her life to Jesus Christ as an adult and was on fire for The Lord. She read her bible and daily bread and continued to learn and grow in her knowledge and relationship with Christ. Ethel joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in 1998; where she served, attended Sunday school and church services regularly. Ethel has one sister that preceded her in death, Christine Lea. She is survived by: one brother, Nathaniel Wilson, Jr.; two daughters, Michelle Wilson McGee (Johnny) and Annetta Collins Wright (Anthony); two grandsons, Anthony Wright II and Johnny B. McGee Jr.; one granddaughter, La’Terika McGee; four great grandchildren, Madison Wright, Duwayne Hall III, Aubrey Wright and Kinsleigh McGee; special niece, Shenna Lea Faggins; great nephew, Kealan Ferguson; sister-cousin, Francis Larry; cousin-brother, Earnest Cobbs, Jr.; two special aunts, JoAnn Dora and Loretta Benson; and a host of other close relatives and friends.