On Monday, September 10, 2007, our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, departed this life peacefully at Forsyth Medical Center.

Mrs. Ethel Stowe was born in Lancaster, SC to Henry and Mary White. There were eight children born to this union. All of her siblings preceded her in death. After the death of her father, the family relocated to Winston-Salem, NC. She attended the Winston-Salem public schools and graduated from Atkins High School. She furthered her education by attending Winston-Salem Teacher's College for two years majoring in English. While at Winston-Salem Teacher's College she sang in the College Choir under the direction of Dr. James A. Dillard. She left Winston-Salem Teacher's College due to her mother's death and to marry her spouse, Sgt. William Edward Stowe who was returning from World War II. She also attended McLean's Business School. Mrs. Stowe was employed by Davis Department Store where she retired after 30 years of service.

Mrs. Stowe was a dedicated member of New Bethel Baptist Church until she experienced failing health. She was a gold star member of the Church with a membership that extended over 60 years. She was president of the Journalistic Society. She was the first editor of the Spotlight (the church newspaper) and remained editor emeritus until her death. She was a group captain in the Effort Club, a member of the Flower Club, the missionary circle, the Bereavement Committee, and Sunday School Class # 5. Mrs. Stowe was the wife of the late Trustee William Stowe of New Bethel and actively performed the duties of a Trustee's wife until her illness.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories three daughters, Patricia, Ph. D. (Donald, Ph. D) Cordell of Auburn Hills, Michigan, Sandra (Edward II) Chavis of Fayetteville, NC and Carol (Alfred) Poe of Winston-Salem, NC; eight grandchildren, Edward Chavis, III., Donna Cordell, Alisa Poe, Joya (Jeff) Toson, Donita Cordell, Camille Poe, William M. Chavis, and William E. Poe; four great-grandchildren, Naikeesha Poe-Smith, Princess Poe-Smith, Cierra Campbell, and Malachi Poe; four nieces, Mildred Davis, Mary Watkins, Deborah McNeil, and Christine Lochart; two nephews, Arthur McMullen and Bobby McMullen; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, September 15, 2007 from the New Bethel Baptist Church with Dr. Kendall Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11 am until noon on Saturday at the Church.

The family wishes to thank the nurses, nurse's aids, and other staff on the 9th floor at Forsyth Medical Center for the loving care provided for our mother during her final days. We also thank the nurses and nurse's aids on the 200 wing of Springwood Care Center: who provided care for our mother; members of the New Bethel Baptist Church family for your visits, communion, and weekly correspondence; Pastor Jones for your visits and prayers; and the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity for the annual Christmas concerts given to Springwood residents in honor of Mrs. Stowe.