Ethel Mae Caldwell (Butler)

Ethel Mae Caldwell was born in December 11, 1951 in Idabel, Oklahoma; born to Eva Mae Butler (Gilbert). She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her loving husband of 50 years, Mr. Clarence Burnell Caldwell; her brother, Vernell Butler; her granddaughter, Lanisha Caldwell; her brother, Gary Lee Butler; her sister, Ollie Mae Butler; her daughter-in-law, Candice Caldwell; her brothers, William Earl Butler, and Robert Lee Butler.

Ethel accepted Christ as her Savior in childhood. She was a longtime member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, in Kansas City, Kansas; and a current member of Fellowship Baptist Church, in Kansas City, Missouri. Ethel made it a point to ensure that her children had a foundation in Christ as well. She graduated from Gray High School, class of 1970. Shortly after she became a licensed cosmetologist and married the love of her life, Clarence B. Caldwell.

Recently, when asked “What was she proud of during her childhood upbringing” she replied “I picked cotton, pecans, and cucumbers! And I enjoyed doing it, I was a Country Girl,” (smile). She also said that one of her fondest memories was when she took trips with F.H.A., “Future Homemakers of America,” and playing basketball. Ethel was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star Melrose Chapter 55. After 29 years, Ethel retired from Missouri State Highway Patrol Department as a Supervisor.

Ethel’s greatest joy was her four children, Marcus, Jeremiah, Erica and Kendra. She was a warrior mother, their greatest supporter, and cheerleader. Ethel was a Virtuous Woman, a mighty force in our lives, and the lives of her grandchildren and those that knew her.

Ethel departed this life on Friday, June 18, 2021. She peacefully passed away in her home with her children by her side.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her two sons, Marcus Burnell Caldwell, and Jeremiah Lenard Caldwell (Miesha); her two daughters, Erica Monique Caldwell and Kendra Renae Thornton (Jayson); her seven beautiful grandchildren, Marquis Caldwell, Elijah Bruce, Ethan Trice, Erica Caldwell, Ayesha Thornton, Shahada Thornton, and Jayson Thornton Jr.; her dear sister, Aretha Cole; and a host of family and friends.

“We will carry her in our hearts forever”

A funeral service to honor Ethel will be held on Friday, June 25, at 9:00 a.m., at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Avenue in Independence, MO 64052. The service will be livestreamed via Speaks Chapels page for those who would like to virtually attend her service. The family would like to extend an invitation to all guests to a repast of Ethel at New Birth Deliverance Ministries Church Hall, 5757 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64133, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The meal will be served at 2:00 p.m. Ethel will be laid to rest at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900).