Ethel Williams

Born in Detroit, Michigan; Ethel Diane Williams was the 3rd of 6 children. As a child, Ethel was baptized into the New Mt. Zion Missionary Bapt. Church. Wherever she lived, she continued her walk with the Lord. Ethel always sought out a church to call home. When her health challenges made it too difficult to attend, she would join in Bible Studies and worship services online. She has been both a member and director of various church choirs. Ethel also immensely enjoyed singing with the family. She attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Northeastern HS. Ethel began her Career as a Nursing Assistant. From there she attended school and obtained her LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). She would later return to school to become a Registered Nurse. At one time she held licenses to practice in 4 different states (including California). As an RN, she has worked mainly Critical Care Units in major hospitals in Detroit. She later moved to Illinois and worked in the Medical Insurance industry. Eventually, Diane left Illinois for Silverdale, WA to help in the raising of her granddaughter (whose parents were on Active Duty). Ethel’s ability to absorb and retain knowledge proved invaluable as she navigated the world of Autism (Early Intervention, IEPs, Speech Therapy, etc.). She would continue in this Caretaking role for 13 years. It was during this time that Ethel continued to pursue her BSN degree. Through a web based program, she completed course requirements. Unfortunately the curriculum requirements changed again leaving her with more coursework to do in order to receive her degree. She regretted not having the time to push forward to appeal that decision. Never one to shy away from an academic challenge, Ethel had already set her sights on returning to school so that she could lead the charge in helping people navigate the paperwork to file appeals related to medical insurance decisions. During this time, she also managed to start a Nonprofit called: Specialized Family Worship. Ethel had experienced the isolation that so many parents of children with special needs face. It had become almost impossible to make it to (or through) a church service. Her dream was to make it possible for parents to be able to attend “regular” worship services while their children with “special needs” had their own special designed services in another area. She also assisted with other nonprofits who were providing educational workshops, training, and other support for “special needs” families. In 2015, Ethel was diagnosed with both Esophageal and Thyroid Cancer. In the midst of her struggle she was still seeking to disseminate information to others regarding Esophageal Cancer. Due to several recurrences of her Esophageal Cancer, she endured multiple rounds of Chemotherapy and eventually life-altering surgery. With family at her bedside, after 2 years of an arduous and valiant struggle, Diane peacefully took her rest on Jan 18, 2018 in Seattle WA. Ethel enjoyed shopping, politics, word games, music, and laughter. She could usually be counted on to remind us of upcoming birthdays for family and friends. She deeply loved her family!