Ethel Mae Thomas

Ethel Mae King born on July 23, 1948, in Huntsville, AL, left to be with the father on October 8, 2023. She was the oldest of five children born to Albert Louis King Sr. and Fannie White King. The family moved to Louisville when Ethel was 3 years old.

She was a 1966 graduate of Thomas Jefferson high school and was a member of the first graduating class. After high school she attended business school and worked briefly at an insurance company.

Business did not fit with her caring nature, and she soon went to work at a nursing home. After working as an aid for years, she knew her calling was to become a nurse. After receiving her degree, she worked as a critical care nurse at the old Baptist and Methodist hospitals. You know about her private duty work.

Baptized, along with her siblings at an early age, at Star Hope Baptist church. Her mother was a noted soloist there and often called on her children to sing back up for her.

While her mother worked outside the home, Ethel became the mother figure for her siblings. She took over the cooking, and nurturing that we all needed during our early years. She was a great cook and was an expert at discipline, taking care of our injuries and making sure we did our chores.

She was especially close to her youngest sister and brother, referring to them as her children! She was all of that. Her love and guidance sustained us all our lives. She supplied everything a good mother would. When Darnell became ill, she was with him from diagnosis until he died at his on home, with her by his side.

She provided a haven for anyone in need. Often providing money, a place to stay and simply great advice. Medical advice was her specialty. Family members, friends and friends of family always came to her for doctor recommendations and what to do about various elements. She was so knowledgeable; she should have been a doctor.

Ethel was married on October 6, 2000, to the love of life Harry J. Thomas Sr. for 23 years. Harry and Ethel both warm hearted, and they had a great zeal for life. Their door was always open for advice, love, and support of their family. They extended generosity beyond their immediate family, to relatives' friends, and their friends always forming everlasting meaningful relationships. Those touched by their friendship will forever remember their giving nature, love, and laughter.

Preceded in death by her husband, Harry J. Thomas Sr.; father, Albert King Sr.; brothers, Albert King Jr., and Darnell King.

She leaves to mourn her mother Fanny White King; sisters, Linda Hammond, Barbara Unseld (Lou); stepchildren, Shenese Thomas, Harry J. Thomas Jr., and adopted daughter Judy Herb, her special friend Mevin Young, and a host of family and friends.


Visitation will be Friday, October 20, 2023, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel, 10304 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY, from 10am-12:30pm with a celebration of Ethel's life beginning at 12:30pm.

Ethel will be laid to rest at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery - Central, 2501 N. Dixie Blvd, Radcliff, KY, with graveside services beginning at 2:30pm.

Ethel's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

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