Obituary of Orena Brooks Ethridge

Orena Brooks Ethridge February 23, 1920 - August 23, 2012 Orena Brooks Ethridge met her Savior on August 23rd, 2012 at the age of 92. She was the youngest of ten children, born to Pearl Harkins Brooks and William J. Brooks of Lono, Arkansas, who were farmers and knew rural life at the leanest during the years of depression. Oren was born February 23rd 1920 in Lono where the family lived. She graduated from Lono High School. She married her childhood sweetheart, Curtis Ethridge, in 1938 and to this union was born one son, Reginald E. Ethridge. After World War II they moved to La Porte, Texas where they lived for 31 years. During this time Du Pont Chemical Company employed Curtis, until he retired in 1978. Orena was a homemaker participating in various community activities. She later attended Lee College in Baytown, Texas before becoming employed by Pfeiffer Electric and later by Pfeiffer-Gambrell, Inc. Electrical Contractors as secretary, retiring from there after 17 years in 1978. While still in active life, Orena , along with Curtis, joined the Primitive Baptist Church and she was a constant companion during his years in the ministry. After retirement, they moved to Goodrick, Texas and enjoyed outdoor life for 21 years, where the grandchildren enjoyed spending weekends, especially hunting during winter. “Christmas on the farm” was always a time to remember. As Curtis’ health began to fail they moved to Baytown, Texas August 31st, 2002 to be near family and medical facilities. Orena was preceded in death by Curtis, her husband for 65 years, one great grandson Daniel Sonnier, both parents, five sisters, and four brothers. Son Reginald Ethridge and wife Mary Jane, grandchildren Gwen Proffer and husband Andrew, Keith Ethridge, Tracy Ethridge and wife Dionne, many Great Grandchildren, and Great Great Grandchildren, survive her. Visitation will be Friday August 24th, 2012 at 5:00 P.M. and services will begin at 10:00 AM Saturday August 25th, 2012 at Paul U. Lee Funeral Home.