October 17, 2025, 90, Goldsboro —
Ethel Creech Williams, 90, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior while at her home in Dunn on October 17, 2025. Born in Johnston County, she was the daughter of the late Manley Stanford Creech and Mandy Renfrow Creech.
In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husbands, Jesse Hubert Williams and Wilbert Luther Durham; sister, Margie Creech Johnson; and brothers, James Winston Creech, Bobby Landon Creech, Javon Edward Creech, and M.A. Creech.
Ethel is survived by her step-children, James Williams, Barbara Durham, and Patricia Durham; and step-grandchildren, Rachel Taylor, David Thorpe, Zee Thorpe, Samantha Ribler, and Benjamin Ribler and great step granddaughter Karen Taylor. Ethel is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In her early years, Ethel worked with Nationwide Insurance in coding. Always eager to learn and grow, she attended MCV Medical College in Virginia, becoming a skilled X-ray technician. In her married years Ethel spent her time being a homemaker and managing her many investment properties and growing and selling produce from her small farm.
Throughout her life, Ethel was known for her tireless spirit—she never had idle hands and was always busy with one project or another. Whether tending to her home or working in her yard, She poured her heart into everything she did. Her home was a reflection of her care and pride, always welcoming, and surrounded by a beautiful yard filled with flowers and plants she lovingly nurtured.
Ethel had a true green thumb and a deep appreciation for nature. She found simple joy in watching the birds and squirrels that visited her yard each day, taking comfort in the peace and beauty they brought. Her life was a testament to hard work, love of home, and an enduring appreciation for the world around her.
A service to celebrate Ethel’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Westfield Baptist Church in Dunn at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the church. Ethel will be laid to rest at Kenly Cemetery at 4 p.m.
While flowers are welcome, memorials may be sent to Westfield Baptist Church 700 N. Ashe Ave. Dunn, NC 28334 in memory of Ethel.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral Service.
