Ethel Olive Applewhite

It is with heavy hearts, but deep gratitude, we announce the passing of Ethel Olive Applewhite,age 89, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who entered eternal rest on June 30, 2025. Born on April 7, 1936, to William Dallas Moody and Bessie Moody (Kendricks), Ethel was the bright light andunshakable foundation of her family. She was a woman of extraordinary warmth and fierce love, known for her vibrant spirit, compassionate heart, quick wit, playful sense of humor, and fiestiness. She was the type of mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who made everyone feel deeply loved and cared for. Her three children, Evelyn LaGrone (Carl), Rita LaGrone, and Ernest Applewhite (Theresa), were her pride and joy. Ethel especially loved the delicious pies that Evelyn often provided. Rita was not only her daughter but also her best friend, caregiver, and companion for over 20 years, a testament to the beautiful bond they shared. Ethel grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her 7 siblings. She graduated from Central High School in 1955. In June of 1983, Ethel gave her life to the Lord and served Him faithfully from that point forward, living each day with a deep and unwavering faith that guided all she did. Her favorite Scriptures were Psalm 23 and Psalm 27, which brought her strength, courage, and peace throughout her life. She also dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving her community through her work with the City of Grand Rapids, retiring in 1992. In her younger days, Ethel loved golfing and bowling, and even in her later years, she continued to play cards, frequently beating her family with her trademark confidence, joy, and infectious laughter. She was known for making up words and phrases that became part of the family's daily language, and she made the most delicious scrambled eggs anyone had ever tasted. Her summers were filled with trips to Cedar Point with her grandchildren, and her days were filled with laughter, music, and love. Whether she was riding down the street listening to George Clinton and Parliament, singing gospel songs in the choir, or reciting nursery rhymes to make her grandkids smile, her playful spirit lit up every room she entered. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and six of her siblings - Thelma Likely, Thurman Moody, Glenola Moody, Ophelia Applewhite, Patricia Moody, and William Dallas Moody. She leaves behind her dear sister, Wilma Boyd. Ethel cared for her siblings selflessly throughout their lives, taking them to appointments, singing to comfort them, and always being there in times of need. To her grandchildren, she was their playful champion, secret-keeper, and biggest cheerleader. She is survived by her grandchildren Brian LaGrone (Tachika), MoNika Sykes (Aaron), Anthony Applewhite (Yamily), Ernest Applewhite III, Alicia Applewhite, and Christina McElwee. She cherished her long phone conversations with MoNika, which always brought her joy. Christina shared an irreplaceable bond with her, filled with secret ice cream runs, soap opera marathons, bike rides, and countless days splashing together in the backyard pool. She shared a special relationship with her grandson, Brian, and great-granddaughter, Briannah Purcell (Aaron), spending countless weekends and summers together filled with giggles, trips, and fun. She also shared a meaningful connection with her great-granddaughter Tamiyah LaGrone, who inherited and shared her love for art and creativity. She leaves behind many more great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply and who will continue to carry forward her legacy of strength, joy, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, a cause close to Ethel's heart, as her granddaughter lives with this disease, and she prayed to see a cure in her lifetime. Ethel Olive Applewhite's life was a beautiful declaration of love, faith, resilience, and laughter. Her impact on this world is immeasurable, and her legacy will live on in the words we use, the songs we sing, the meals we share, and the ways we care for one another. May we honor her by living with the same courage, compassion, and unbreakable joy that she poured into each of our lives.
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