Obituary of Ethel Mae Alexander

Passed on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at age 91.

Ethel Mae Alexander was born on January 2, 1931 in Woolwine, Virginia to the late Emmett and Mary Lee Houchins (united in holy matrimony July 20, 1920.)  Ethel was the 5t^h born of 12 children. She moved from Woolwine, Virginia to Welch West Virgina in 1951 where she met her then husband and they produce 4 beautiful children, with one lasting only 21 days after birth. With her strong, independent will, in 1954, Ethel moved to Rochester, NY with her 3 children.

Following her sisters lead she became employed as a Mental Hygiene Therapy Assistant at the Rochester Psychiatric Center in 1961. There along with her three sisters (Bert, Margaret and Louis) they were known as the, ‘Houchins Sisters.’ She retired with many years of service and gratitude. In the early 60s she dedicated her life to serve the Lord at Church of Jesus Christ (15 Helena St.) under the leadership of Bishop Gus Thomas. That is when she received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Her family and church family remembers her most from her elegant church hats, but mostly her famous chocolate cake and banana bread that lives through her legacy. She always made sure when her son-in-law came to visit, she made her famed sweet potato dish.

Ethel Mae Alexander leaves to cherish her three children Michael L. Saunders, Dwana L. Roper (James) and Regina A. Mitchum (Charles.) Joeseph Houchins (brother.) 10 grandkids, a host of great-grands, nephews and nieces