Nov
14
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Golden Gate Funeral Home-Dallas
4155 S R. L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75224
Send FlowersNov
15
11:00 a.m.
BEXAR STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
2018 South Marsalis Avenue, Dallas, TX 75216
Send FlowersServices provided by
Golden Gate Funeral Home - DallasOnly 6 hours left for delivery to next service.
Ethel A. Smith, a luminous spirit born on March 9, 1942, in the heart of Dallas, Texas, has departed from our world, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the joy of knowing her. She passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, in Slaton, Texas, each detail of her vibrant life etched into the memories of family, friends, and community members alike.
Ethel's journey through life was one paved with determination and brilliance. An accomplished accountant for Exxon Mobile, she balanced numbers with grace, earning the respect of her colleagues and forging lifelong friendships along the way. Ethel was not just a numbers person; she was a force of nature—vibrant, talkative, and the heart of any gathering. Her innate ability to connect with people meant that she never met a stranger, embracing life with an open heart and infectious enthusiasm.
Her educational pursuits reflect her thirst for knowledge. A proud member of Lincoln High School's Class of 1959, Ethel continued her growth at Huston-Tillotson University and Bishop College, where she earned her Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree from Dallas Baptist University. Her academic journey paralleled her commitment to lifelong learning, inspiring others to follow suit.
Beyond her career, Ethel dedicated herself to uplifting those around her. A golden soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she embodied the values of service and sisterhood, serving as a beacon of empowerment for countless women. Her love for community shone brightly through her volunteer work with the American Legion, elementary schools, and the Fisher House Foundation at Veteran Affairs. Ethel extended her nurturing heart to the Washington-Lincoln Alumni Association of Dallas, where she actively contributed, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and support.
Ethel had a flair for fashion, a good sense of humor, and an exceptional ability to fill spaces with laughter and joy. She was deeply devoted to her family, always providing unwavering support and encouragement to those she loved. Her passions extended to photography and traveling, capturing life's fleeting moments and cherishing the beauty of the world around her.
Her memorial services will take place at Golden Gate Funeral Home-Dallas, with a viewing scheduled for November 14, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and family and friend viewing to begin at 6pm - 7pm. The funeral service will follow at Bexar Street Baptist Church on November 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM, where friends and family will gather to celebrate a woman who was not only a personal treasure but a community gem.
Though Ethel A. Smith has left this earthly realm, her spirit will forever resonate in the lives she touched, the laughter shared, and the love sown in her wake. May her vibrant memory continue to inspire and uplift those who remain, a testament to a life lived beautifully and fully.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following: Washington-Lincoln Alumni Association of Dallas, Inc -Laura Shields 972-293-2577 or American Legion Post 802 --Angelia Herndon 214-881-0926 and send the acknowledgement to the family, Thank you.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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14
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Golden Gate Funeral Home-Dallas
4155 S R. L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75224
Send FlowersNov
15
11:00 a.m.
BEXAR STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
2018 South Marsalis Avenue, Dallas, TX 75216
Send FlowersServices provided by
Golden Gate Funeral Home - DallasOnly 6 hours left for delivery to next service.