Ethel Gethers Davis

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.”   Psalm 116:15

Ethel Gethers Davis, the eldest daughter of the late Reverend Octavius Allen Gethers, Sr. and Elouise Cooper Gethers, was born on August 21, 1928 in Bonneau, South Carolina. On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at her home, Ethel slipped away into eternal life with the Lord.

Ethel’s early education began in Berkeley County at the Cherry Hill Community School. She attended Berkeley Training High School, Moncks Corner, SC, Burke High School and Avery Institute, Charleston, SC. She furthered her education by attending Allen University, Columbia, SC where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a Master degree in Elementary Education/Administration Management from South Carolina State College, Orangeburg, SC. Because Ethel wanted to enhance her knowledge of ways to help children to become more effective and efficient learners, she continued her education at the College of Charleston and The Citadel, Charleston, SC.

Ethel  began her teaching career at R.A. Ready Elementary School in 1951 and remained there until 1967 when she was transferred to Bonneau Elementary School and served as a Media Specialist. In 1968, she was  appointed Principal of Bonneau Elementary School, becoming the first African American female Principal in the Berkeley County School District. She was transferred to Macedonia Elementary School and served as Co-Principal from 1970-1976 and then as Principal from 1976 to 1980. She faced numerous challenges from staff, students and parents. With her strong willpower, positive attitude and dedication to the work, she was able to encourage and garner support from the district, school and community to join together in creating a pleasant learning environment for the children. Through her dedication, a new school facility was erected to accommodate the needs of the children, and help broaden their horizons. The school’s name was changed to H. E. Bonner Elementary School. Mrs. Davis diligently served her school district, students, parents, staff and constituents for 35 years, retiring in 1986.

Ethel served in several professional organizations throughout her career, which included but not limited to: National Association of Elementary Principals; South Carolina Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals; Berkeley County Association of School Administrators; Team Member of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for the “Palmetto’s Finest” Awards; Clemson Extension 4-H Program; Berkeley Electric WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification); and the Parent Teacher Association. She was also a member of the Eastern Light Chapter No. 360, Order of the Eastern Star.

Ethel was a faithful and dedicated member of Mt. Carmel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Moncks Corner, SC. She served as a Trustee, member of the Senior Choir, and member of the Emily C. Jones Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). She was involved in other church organizations as she promoted Christian growth and activities. Ethel was known for her special ability to assist the sick and shut-in and provide counseling to those in need. She was recognized and honored as a Torchlighter and a Life Member in the WMS. Even as her health began to decline, Ethel regularly attended and participated in the worship services.

Ethel was a woman of vision with a spirit of integrity and excellence. She was committed to education and had a positive energy that flowed to others. She empowered others to achieve their goals in life. She will be remembered as a selfless woman who had a passion for helping others to better themselves. She will be greatly missed.

Ethel was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Brister Davis, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Duane Ellington; and three brothers, David A. Gethers, Rev. Octavius A. Gethers, Jr. and Francis Wright.

She leaves to cherish precious loving memories: two daughters,  Doris E. Ellington and Linda Swinton; granddaughter, Dawn Ellington; great-grandson, Keith Ellington; siblings, Harry A. Gethers, Joseph James (Flora) Gethers and Alma G. Brown; sisters-in-law, Evelyn L. Gethers, Mattie A. Gethers and Carrie Wright; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at Mt. Carmel AME Church, 1059 Old Black Oak Road, Moncks Corner, SC. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be Tuesday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family  will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Eastern Star Rites will begin at 6:30 p.m.