Obituary of Ethelyne Farris

May 27, 1928 - July 24, 2018

Ethelyne Farris.  Age 90 of Detroit.  Born and raised in Tennessee. 

Beloved wife of the late John C. Farris. (J.C., aka Jack McKinney).  Loving mother of Johnnie (Drema) Farris, Nyelene (Ken) Elwartoski, the late Ronnie (Abbe) Farris, the late Donnie (Carol) Farris, Lonnie (Debbie) Farris, Connie Farris and Christine (John) Seppala.  Dearest daughter of the late Ollie and Irene Word.  Dear sister of NormaJean (William) Armstrong, Willie (Karen) Word, Richard (Cynthia) Word and the late Jeanette (the late Joe) Graves.  Also survived by 28 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

FAMILY TRIBUTE

We gather together as family and friends to honor the life of Ethelyne Farris. It was a life that spanned more than 90 years and managed to play every note on the harmonic scale of human endeavor. It was a life that produced 7 children, 28 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She loved them all with every beat of her heart.

Ethelyne also loved her home, her garden, her flowers, and even a knickknack or two. She was a kind and compassionate neighbor who cared for others when they could not care for themselves. She possessed a zest for life, a passion for family time, an infectious sense of humor, and a love for Jesus Christ.

In her younger years, she was quite the salesperson. As an Avon representative, she won numerous awards and prizes. She enjoyed showing off and demonstrating her product line, and her gentle persistence usually resulted in bringing home an order.

Ethelyne harbored a folksy wisdom and the ability to spin it skillfully into her many stories she loved to share. How her grandchildren loved to hear her stories! Sometimes she could unleash her mischievous side, too, teasing or startling the youngsters in the spirit of good fun.

As we commit Ethelyne’s earthly shell to its natural state, we salute her spirit, which will live on in each of us. It is a dynamic, powerful life force that impacts everyone and everything within its reach. It served her well, right up until the very end. In fact, she personified the words of the poet Dylan Thomas, who wrote: “Do not go gentle into that good light. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

In spite the mortal veil separating her from her beloved husband and two sons, Ethelyne would have gladly accepted another 90 years here among us. Collectively, we who embody her spirit and her love, have the opportunity to give her that gift through the lives we live.

Ethelyne, Mom, Granny, thank you for sharing your life with us. We love you, we miss you, and we will never forget you.