Ethel Hardy Galloway

Ethel Hardy Galloway, born on August 3, 1933, in Anderson, SC, to Della Morris and Roy Hardy, was the cherished last of her thirteen siblings. Her life was a testament to curiosity, passion, and resilience, traits that endeared her to everyone she met.

From a young age, Ethel’s love for learning shone brightly, offering her a welcome escape from the cotton fields alongside her siblings while teaching some of them how to read. Her diligence, humor, and tenacity became the cornerstones of her character, guiding her through life with grace and strength. Ethel was the proud sole graduate of her siblings, earning her diploma from Reed Street High School in 1952. Although her dream of attending SC State to become a nurse or teacher was deferred, she lived it vicariously through two of her daughters, who proudly graduated from the university.

Ethel’s journey led her to Clarence Galloway, her beloved husband of 49 years. She was his devoted caretaker, lovingly tending to him during the last six years of his life. Her life was a tapestry of service, from cooking and caring for her younger siblings at just nine years old to her years of domestic work, her role in the cafeteria at Southwood Middle School, and her time as a CNA at Anderson Memorial Hospital. Ethel’s unwavering work ethic was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and love, where everyone felt like family. Ethel’s infectious

laughter, sharp wit, and mouthwatering cinnamon rolls had a magical way of making people feel

special. Her home was always filled with the comforting aroma of freshly-baked bread, the uplifting notes of southern gospel from the kitchen radio, and the joyful sounds of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing. Visitors, from family to neighbors to friends, were greeted by Ethel’s radiant smile as she sat among her flowers on her porch, her laughter and warmth enveloping them like a gentle embrace.

Ethel was a beacon of truth, never wavering from her convictions and always speaking her mind with honesty and courage. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she was a devoted member of Salem Baptist Church until 1975, when she joined Zion Pentecostal Holiness Church. There, she served faithfully on the Women’s Missionary Choir as the choir’s Secretary and later as a deaconess, often lifting spirits with her heartfelt rendition of the hymn “Victory in Jesus.”

Ethel leaves behind a legacy of love and strength cherished by her children, Della (Joel) Wideman, Rose (James) Stevens, Sandra (John) Baker, Mahalia (Melvin) Gaines, Neil (Harriet) Galloway, and Clarissa (Sheaneaka) Clinkscales; twenty-three  grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Geneva Jackson, Alwillie Crosby, Zora Mae Latimer, James Hardy, Calvin Hardy, Cato Hardy, Haze Hardy, L.T. Hardy, K.C Hardy, and Wade Hardy..  Her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

Special Thanks

The family would like to give special thanks to the NHC Staff, Faye (Miss Blue) and Stanley (Mr. Blue), which was momma’s name for them, whom she loved dearly; Destiny, LaChina, Kelsey, Kayla, Whitney, Andrea, Jasmine, Brenda, Mckenzie, and a host of NHC staff that so lovingly took care of mother until the end.  We appreciate all you did for her.  May God forever bless each of you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ethel Hardy Galloway, please visit our floral store.