Ethel L Spann

Ethel Lee Spann was born on September 22, 1929 in Hertford, North Carolina.  She was the sixth (6th) eldest of ten children to Linnie Hudson and Archie Welch.  Other than having the “involuntary” responsibility of helping around the house and caring for her siblings, she was inclined strongly towards education.  So, on May 27, 1948, she received her diploma from Hertford High School.  Upon graduation, Ethel earned a dietitian diploma from The New York Institute of Dietetics (1953) and another degree from Staten Island Hospital (New York) as a Dietary Intern (1954).  Ethel continued her education and earned a Bachelor of Science (Dean’s List) degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, New York, 1977).

During this time, she married a World War II Army Veteran Corporal named Ezelle “Zeke” Spann of Brooklyn, New York (by way of Camden, South Carolina) on August 26, 1952.   No children resulted from this union.  During their marriage, they made it their business to attend every family function, near or far, and even travelled around the world to such places within the African diaspora.   She continued her education while working at Prospect Heights Hospital, Long Island College Hospital (Brooklyn, New York) and eventually ending her career with the City of New York Bureau of School Food Services (1982).  By this time, she and Ezelle were ready to retire to his hometown of Camden, South Carolina.  Before leaving for South Carolina, a friend, Sarah Brown (renowned caterer) encouraged her to get into catering since she was known for hosting lavish get-togethers and serving delicious food, wines, and spirits.   A few years later, she founded Ethel’s Gourmet Catering.   Anyone invited to their home was greeted by classical music (WQXR FM), a cold drink, and a hint of pipe smoke from Ezelle; and if you knew how to play chess, a board was set for your challenge.   That same charm continued for those who visited them in Camden.   Shortly after Ezelle’s passing in 2017, Ethel decided to move to The Blake at Woodcreek Farms Assisted Living Facility near her home in Elgin.  She remained there until her peaceful transition on December 2, 2020.

Ethel is preceded by her husband of fifty-five (55) years, Ezelle; three (3) sisters: Eardie Anderson of The Bronx, New York; Louetta Mims and Gladys Motley of Hertford, North Carolina.  She was preceded also by four (4) brothers: Lloyd Welch of Manhattan, New York; Archie Welch of Queens, New York; Morris Welch of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Gary Welch (a.k.a Akhmed Lateef) of Hertford, North Carolina.  Ethel is survived by a sister, Daisy Holmes of Manhattan, New York and brother, Oliver Welch of Hertford, North Carolina.  In addition, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.  She was respected, loved, and will be very missed.