Ethel Buggs

Ethel Buggs, 101, departed this life Thursday, July 30, 2015, at her granddaughter's home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Feb. 14, 1914, to Miller and Lela Wheeler Ware in Hickman, Kentucky. "Ma" was the eldest of six children: James, Jimmie, Henry, Eliza and William.

In 1951, she and her husband, Paul Buggs, moved to Mounds, Illinois, where they worked and farmed their land until his death in 1980.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren had the privilege of growing up on a large farm, learning skills they'd use into adulthood.

Ethel enjoyed word puzzles, fishing, cooking, listening to her favorite gospel artists and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She participated in many family whiffle ball, kick ball and hide-and-seek games.

Originally a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Pulaski, Illinois, she later joined New Bethel M.B. Church, where both she and her brother William were members until their deaths.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; husband; a son, Ozone; two daughters, Ora Mae and Louise; and a daughter-in-law, Bessie Green.

Ma leaves behind and will be greatly missed by Louise's children, Cynthia Paul, Freddie L. Green Jr. and Lawanda Green of Mounds, Charles (Heather) Green of Pulaski, Stephanie Green of Carbondale, Illinois, Clarissa (Harvey) Merriweather of Villa Ridge, Illinois, Teressa (Andrew) Johnson, Mary (Marshall) Green-Brown and Michael Green of Cape Girardeau, Nathan (Carolyn) Green of Holly Springs, Mississippi, and Eddie (Tomicko) Green of Charleston, South Carolina.

Also, Ora Mae's daughter, Ada Marie; special niece, Velma Lewis of Chicago; multiple nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; a loving church family; and a multitude of friends. She also will be missed greatly by her great-great-granddogs, Shadow and Lilly.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Friday at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

The funeral will be at noon Friday at the church, with K. Donell Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Spencer Heights Memorial Park in Mounds.

Massie Funeral Home in Mounds is in charge of arrangements.