Ethel Packer

Ethel Mae Shaw Packer, 87, of Elizabethtown went to her eternal home on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at her home surrounded by family.

She was born in Columbus County on June 21, 1934 to the late Charlie and Janie Fowler Shaw. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Packer, four sisters, Vera Black, Burnette Reason, Franklin Evers, and Evelyn Shaw and three brothers, Guardrow Shaw, Clarence Shaw, and Thomas Shaw. Ethel is survived by five daughters, Janet Ferguson (John) of Hope Mills, Patricia Brisson (Larry) of Charlotte, Carolyn Barnes (Gene) of North Myrtle Beach, Theressa Lewis (Terry) of White Lake, and Litisha Jones (Trent) of Smithfield, 12 grandchildren: Janey Priest, Gracin Jones, Brinley Jones, Autumn Lewis, Patience Lewis, Jodi Young, Alison Childress, Heather Sellars, Tabitha Napier, Steven Evers III, Shane Evers and Brent Evers, 11 great grandchildren: Liam Jones, Ashlen Sellars, Kaylen Sellars, Piper Evers, Charlie Evers, Brisson Watts, Cam Young, Gavin Evers, Alex Evers, Summer Evers and Jayden Evers, and one great-great grandchild, Winnie Evers. She also leaves behind her faithful fur companion, BeeBee.

Ethel was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was all about her family and was happiest when she could have them all gathered around her. She loved to do word searches with her great grandchildren. Ethel was artistic by nature. She made beautiful, handcrafted wreaths, bows, and clothes for her daughters. Her home and yard were kept neat, and always decorated for Christmas. The love and nurture that she so eagerly gave to her family and friends will keep them until they meet again.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown followed by a funeral service at 2 pm. Son-in-law Gene Barnes will be officiating. Burial will follow the services in Bladen Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her friend, Hattie McCormick and the staff of Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center for the care given to Ethel during her illness.