Ethel Wood Brewster, 101, passed away December 22, 2021 at Village Green Rehabilitation Center, Fayetteville, NC. She was an eighteen-year resident of the Carolina Highlands, Fayetteville, NC.
"Ethel" Elizabeth Ann was born in Portsmouth, VA to James Webster Wood and Ethel May (Borum) Wood. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Walter "Bruce" Whatley Brewster, and sister, Betty W. Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Ann B. Goldsmith and husband Stu of Fayetteville, NC, beloved granddaughters Faith C. Goldsmith of Carrboro, NC, and Anna E. Goldsmith of Chapel Hill, NC. Also surviving is her brother-in-law John A. Johnson, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, brother, James "Jay" W. Wood, Jr. and many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Maury High School, Norfolk, VA, and Madison College, Harrisonburg, VA, she taught 4th Grade at Larchmont Elementary School in Norfolk. During WWII she volunteered in the evenings with the Army Air Forces First Fighter Command Aircraft Warning Service, relaying information on potential enemy aircraft.
Mrs. Brewster continued her career in Virginia Beach as a Librarian and Media Specialist at King's Grant Elementary School. The family spent many happy summers at their Sandbridge beach house. After retiring, she and her husband moved to Fredericksburg, VA and enjoyed many years immersed in genealogical research, not only tracing their roots but assisting others as well. She compiled and published “Norfolk County, Virginia Will Book III, 1788-1802”. After moving into the Carolina Highlands in 2003, they were instrumental in creating a library for the residents and were honored to have it named for them. Sadly, Walter passed away in 2004. Ethel became very involved there, over the years serving as a Board Member, Resident Council President, Vice-President, Secretary, and served on numerous committees.
Mrs. Brewster served as Corresponding Secretary, Order of the First Families of Virginia. She was also a member of the Jamestowne Society, the Great Bridge Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the Washington-Lewis Chapter NSDAR, the J.E.B. Stuart Chapter 483 United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Fredericksburg Chapter 163 UDC, The Reverend Robert Hunt Chapter Virginia Society National Daughters of the American Colonists, and the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century.
Her kind and generous spirit touched so many lives. She cherished time spent with family, especially her granddaughters. Ethel had a quick wit and a keen sense of humor, always appreciating a good joke and an intelligent conversation. She had a deep love for children and animals, especially cats, and leaves behind Angel, her loyal companion.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Carolina Highlands, Fayetteville, NC. A private service of interment alongside her husband will be held at a later date in Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Spring Lake, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, NC or the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society.
Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301
Online condolences may be made at http://www.jerniganwarren.com
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