Ethel Baldwin

Ethel Ruth Baldwin passed away on July 20, 2022 at the Jo-Ann Burgin Nursing and Rehabilitation Home. She was born on November 27, 1929 and was ninety-two years old. The first daughter of the late George Ross Knighton, Sr. and Murray Lee Gilbert Knighton. She was educated in the Randolph County School System. Ethel joined the Benevolence Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She began singing at the age of three and at her passing, she was the only original member of the Benevolence Senior Choir, the Do-Ra-Me Fifth Sunday Singing and the Carter's Chorus. She was a Sunday School Teacher and Mission Sister. She earned her own day at church. The Ethel R. Baldwin Day, November 14. Ethel met and married the late Drew Baldwin. She gave birth to three daughters and two sons. One son, Edward Burks, preceded her in death. Ethel was fondly known by many names; Sister, Sudha, Momma, Mommie, Momma Ethel, Sister Tweet, Granny, Aunti, Mrs. Baldwin and some others that made her smile. She will now be able to hear some of those names by her loved ones that preceded her in death, seven brothers, George Ross Knighton Jr., Clinton Welton Knighton and George Newkirk; two sisters, Annie Pearl Knighton and Marquerite Bynum; three sisters-in-law, Gloria Knighton, Vivian Donald and dear friend, Donnella Knighton; two sons-in-law, Arthur Rogers and Derek Hampton. Ethel made many friends working at the Skinner Furniture Store, Kellwood Textile Company and as a Nanny for the Cole Family. The simplest pleasures of life such as curling hair, baking cakes, sewing, fishing, and watching coaches Bland and Williams teams play basketball, (she was die hard Tim Duncan fan), brought her the greatest joy. Ethel leaves to cherish her memories three daughters, Effie (Pancy) Knighton-Rogers, Willa Chatman (Eddie), Mary Baldwin Hampton; one son, James Oliver (Buster); one sister, Mary E. Newkirk; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, Emma Francis Knighton, Ann Knighton, JoAnn Knighton, Johnnie L. Knighton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her nursing home staff. Video Tribute