Ethel Lea (Woods) Minyard

Ethel Lea (Woods) Minyard Ethel Lea (Woods) Minyard, 77, of Huntsville, Texas, passed away at home on January 2, 2013, after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Ethel Lea was born on April 6, 1935, in Jasper, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruel Woods and Cloie Day Woods. Ethel Lea was the Salutatorian of the class of 1953 at Jasper High School. While in high school she was editor of the Bulldog Yearbook, Kiwanis Sweetheart and Duchess at the Dogwood Festival. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business from East Texas Baptist College in 1957. While at East Texas Baptist College, Ethel Lea was a member of the Sigma Iota Chi Sorority and Social Chairman of the Junior Class of 1956. At the time of her death, she was a member of the “Golden Blazers” Outstanding Alumni Organization. On June 14, 1958, Ethel Lea married the love of her life, Herbert Thomas Minyard in Jasper, Texas. She was an administrative assistant in public schools in Alief and Conroe, Texas and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Ethel Lea loved attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. She was active in teaching and directing Sunday school classes in the various towns and cities in which she lived. She also was a member of many clubs, Aggie Moms, Christian Women’s Club and was a past President of the Newcomer’s Club in Huntsville, Texas. She has been a lifelong Baptist and faithfully raised her family in a Christian home. Ethel Lea was reverent in serving the Lord and helping with missions. She was vivacious and brought joy when fellowshipping with others. Ethel Lea is survived by her husband of 54 years, Herbert Thomas Minyard; children, Colonel Michael Thomas Minyard and wife Cheryl of Platte City, Missouri, Herbert Ruel Minyard and wife Darlene of Baytown, Texas; grandchildren, Thomas Minyard of Baytown, Texas, Courtney Minyard of College Station, Texas, Cody and Blake Minyard of Platte City, Missouri; sister, Sandra Whiteker of Conroe, Texas; niece, Leah Whiteker of Minneapolis, Minnesota; nephews, Justin Whiteker of San Antonio, Texas, Andrew Harrison of Houston, Texas, Booker Harrison of Austin , Texas; aunt, Agatha Mullins of Bryan, Texas; and numerous cousins and friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to Odyssey Hospice and Sojourners Sunday School Department for their support. Funeral services will be held for Mrs. Minyard on Monday, January 7, 2013, 10:00 a.m., at University Heights Baptist Church, Huntsville, Texas with Dr. Richard Rogers and Marion Fonville officiating. Interment will be held Monday, January 7, 2013, 3:00 p.m., at Evergreen Cemetery, Jasper, Texas. Family will receive friends on Sunday, January 6, 2013, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. Memorial donations may be made to: University Heights Baptist Church “Go Mission Fund”, 2400 Sycamore Avenue, Huntsville, Texas 77340. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

Ethel Lea (Woods) Minyard

April 6, 1935 - January 2, 2013