Ethel Osborne Earls

Ethel Osborne Earls, a beloved and extraordinary member of the Bluefield, Virginia community, passed away just short of her 102nd birthday on November 11, 2023. With her typical fighting spirit, Ethel was fortunately able to celebrate with adoring friends and family the day before at a joyful birthday party covered by local television station, WVVA. Ethel was born in Husk, North Carolina on November 12, 1921 where she was one of eight siblings (seven girls and one boy). She was raised by hardworking parents, Lura, a teacher and Grover, a tobacco farmer. Ethel eventually moved to Chilhowie, Virginia where she attended Barrack High School, playing on the basketball team and excelling in her studies. She was her class valedictorian and awarded a full scholarship to Emory & Henry, but she turned it down to start a family with Dick Earls who predeceased her. Ethel's devoted children, Carole and Greg were the light of her life until the very end. Known for her hard work ethic and true grit, Ethel was a single working mother for most of her life. She loved fashion retail and proudly worked for many years at Thorton's and Lyndell's. Living in Bluefield, Virginia for 72 years, Ethel was active and respected in her community, as President of the PTA and Women's Club, a former member of the Fincastle Country Club, and a member of First United Methodist Church. She developed a passion for Bridge and was a strong player in all 12 of her clubs. Ethel was the bedrock of her family and known for her steadfast love and commitment to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They affectionately called her "Mama" or "Mai". She was an avid sports fan who adored baseball and football and especially Braves' Dale Murphy and Broncos' John Elway. She loved movies, some of her favorites being Pretty Woman and Perry Mason. Ethel always suprised people with her healthy appetite, especially in her old age. Her favorite culinary haunts included The Char, Cap'n D's, Hardee's, and The Greenbrier where she enjoyed the "Sportsman Breakfast" and many magical Christmases with her family. Ethel is survived by her two children, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren all of whom she dearly loved. Services will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11am at First United Methodist Church (200 S College Ave, Bluefield, VA). Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, Virginia where Andrew Earls, Alexander Earls, David Earls, Mike Sarver, Mike Guy, Kenneth Penning, Frank Pochick, and Rodney Shrewsberry will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of America Native Services (naclubs.org). Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Ethel Elizabeth Osborne Earls.

Ethel Osborne Earls

November 12, 1921 - November 11, 2023