Marbetta Ethridge

Mrs. Marbetta Ethridge life’s journey began on December 14, 1936, as the first-born child to the union of the late Eddie and Annie Garrett in Alpine, Alabama.

 Mrs. Marbetta Ethridge was a jewel and a strong believer in the Body of Christ. Her Christian life embarked at a young age under the Leadership of Pastor Booze Garrett at Kingston Baptist Church, Alpine, AL. She was a member of the 1957 graduating class of Phyllis Wheatley High School. Upon moving to Gadsden, AL, she united with St. Peters Lutheran Church and later joined United Christian Church under the Leadership of the late Apostle Maurice K. (Brenda) Wright, where she was a pillar who served faithfully until her health failed her. Mrs. Marbetta Ethridge was united in holy matrimony to the late William (Bill) Ethridge on May 13, 1964, and in this love union, ten children were united.

Mrs. Marbetta Ethridge was preceded in death by her loving parents,Eddie and Annie Garrett; two sisters, Viola Garrett and Willie Bell Nix; one daughter, Lou Ella Montgomery; one son, Jeremiah Garrett; one son-in-law, Rudy Rigby, Sr.; one nephew, Bernard Garrett; one grandson, DeJuan Ethridge; three granddaughters, Toni Garrett, and Aaliyah and Alyssia Ethridge; and two great-grandsons, Jacqavius and Jaylyn Garrett. She departed her life on Friday, February 25, 2022.

Mrs. Marbetta Ethridge was a God-fearing, humbling, praying woman who was very active in her church where she served with a beautiful smile and a sweet spirit as a greeter. She was a member of the encouragement team, but was also well known for being one of the honorary mothers of her church. She was not only a mother figure to her own children and church, but was also one for her community. She had served over 20 plus years as a volunteer, where she held multiple positions in the Parent-Teacher Association and the Parent-Teacher Organization of the public-school systems. Upon the lack of breakfast not being served in schools, she along with the late Ruth Rigby and many others went to Montgomery, Alabama, to fight for breakfast rights to be served in the public-school systems to help stimulate the children’s minds for learning. In 1988, she was inducted in the Wall of Fame for her exceptional work in the public-school systems. Mrs. Marbetta Ethridge, among many others, was a civil right marcher of the Selma to Montgomery March on the Edmund Pettus Bridge for voting rights. In 2015, she was recognized as an Outstanding Mother by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., because of her remarkable services. Although Mrs. Marbetta Ethridge was a servant to her church and community, she was a phenomenal woman of beauty, dignity, and grace. She was fond of cooking, singing, traveling, and socializing with her friends. What a memorable mark she leaves with her family and friends.

She leaves her legacy and memories to cherish to: two daughters, Paula Ethridge Rigby and Cynthia (Walter) Smith, both of Gadsden, AL; six sons, William (Catherean) Ethridge of Gadsden, AL, Bobby (Tracey)Garrett of Anniston, AL, Eddie (Nikkey) Ethridge of Huntsville, AL, Charlie (Barbara) Ethridge, Sr., of Gadsden, AL, Paul (Karen) Ethridge of Fairfax, VA, and Michael (Briana) Ethridge of Madison, AL; one daughter-in-law, Teresa Garrett of Alpine, AL; one sister, Martha Rhoden of Alpine, AL; one brother, John Eddie (Cheryl) Garrett of Alpine, AL; a special daughter, Darlene (Charles) Crowe of Gadsden,AL; 20 grandchildren, Dedric Ethridge, Bobby (LeShell) Garrett, Jr., Shay Witherspoon, Tonia Ethridge Rosser, Tanisha Ethridge, Eddie(Shanta) Ethridge, Jr., Rudy (Mia) Rigby, Jr., Brandon (LaTonya) Garrett, Courtney Garrett, Quenisha Ethridge, Lori Rigby, Charles Ethridge, Jr., Jabriel Garrett, Morgan (BeJay) Childs, Gerica Moore, Migel Ethridge, Zoe Moore, Tia Ethridge, Darrian Ethridge, and Samuel Ethridge; 28 great-grandchildren; nieces, Martha Foster of Cullman, AL, and Samantha Garrett of Alpine, AL; nephews, Arthur Bodley of Pensacola, FL, Ronald (Renay) Garrett of Alpine, AL, John Eddie Garrett, Jr., of Gadsden, AL, Sammy (Felecia) Garrett of Alpine, AL, and James(Trina)Nix, Jr., of Attalla, AL; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and many friends. Special recognition to Golden Ages Group of United Christian Church and church family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Jan Avery.

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