Mrs. Ethel L. Westbrook

Ethel Lee Westbrook was born to the union of Eddie Hawthrone and Ethel Lee Williams- Hawthrone on August 30, 1939, in Helena, Arkansas. She departed her life on July 2, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN. She professed her life to Christ at an early age at Centennial Baptist Church in Helena, AR. under the leadership of the late Rev. A. L. Woodson. She served on the usher board and was a Sunday school teacher. Later, she joined Sequell Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Booker Thomas when she moved to Rondo, AR. Ethel dedicated her life to education and public service, touching countless lives over her decades of leadership and compassion. Ethel was a graduate of Eliza Miller High School, class of 1956. She was a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, formerly known as AM & N University, with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in 1960. Later, she went on to acquire a master’s degree in business administration. After she completed her bachelor’s degree, she moved to Rondo, AR. She met her husband of 45 years, Ed Westbrook II, in their union they welcomed a son, Ed Westbrook III, born in June 1970. She began her career as a schoolteacher, teaching middle school students in the Marianna School District for over 30 years. Known for her warmth, patience, and deep belief in the potential of every child, she became a beloved figure in the community. Her classroom was more than a place of learning; it was a space of encouragement, fairness, and love. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eddie Lee Hawthrone and Ethel Lee Williams-Hawthrone, and her husband of 45 years, Ed Westbrook II, a daughter who died at birth, her son Ed Westbrook III, and brother-in-law Otha Westbrook, her brother Edward Lee Hawthorne Jr., and her sisters Jerlean Hawthrone-Rivers-Allen and Edith Maxine Hawthrone-Crawford. She leaves to cherish her memory, her Sister-in-law, Donnie Westbrook, of Marianna, AR., Nieces: Debrah Crawford (Michael) McGruder of Forrest City, Evelyna Crawford of Conway, AR., Joyce Crawford, Jacquline Crawford (Stanley) Harris, Elwanda Hawthrone, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, and cherished friends. Ethel’s legacy lives on in every child she taught, every community member she uplifted, and every life she inspired. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. In retirement, her passion for service led her to enter local politics. Elected as Mayor of Ronda, Arkansas, Ethel served one term, during which she prioritized education, community programs, senior services, and infrastructure improvements. Her leadership was marked by integrity, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of her hometown. Ethel often said, "Serving people is the highest form of teaching."

Mrs. Ethel L. Westbrook

August 30, 1939 - July 2, 2025