Ethel Pearl Pink

Ethel Pearl Zellous-Pink, affectionately known among her friends and family as "Mutt" and revered as "Big Momma" by the Star Bethel Family, lived a life that exemplified the beauty of resilience and the power of nurturing love. Born on September 4, 1932, in the warm community of Auburn, Alabama, Mutt's journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on April 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her departure was marked by the same grace with which she lived, passing naturally surrounded by the love of her extensive family.

Mutt's roots run deep in Auburn, where she was born to the late Frank and Lillie Zellous. She was the cherished sister to Richard, Walter, Robert, Ulysses (Buddy), Prince Mary, Catherine (Honey), and Willie (Frank), all of whom predeceased her, leaving behind a legacy of unity and familial warmth. Her bond remained strong with her living siblings Datherine (Doll), Alice, and Jabo, embodying the enduring connection of siblings through thick and thin.

The heart of her own family, Mutt was a devoted mother to Elizabeth (with the late Willie), Lorraine (with the late Michael), Ronald (with Jan), Cynthia (with the late Ron), Robert (with Honi), and Sheila (her "baby girl"). She was a pillar of strength and wisdom for her 17 grandchildren, three of whom, Lemuel, Christian, and Derrick, preceded her in death, as well as for her 21 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy continues to blossom through each generation, a testament to her unending love and guidance.

Mutt's educational journey began at Mt Vernon in Auburn, AL, and she later furthered her knowledge at the Adult Learning Center in Cleveland, Ohio, demonstrating that learning is a lifelong pursuit. Her professional life was dedicated to being a domestic enthusiast, a title that only just begins to capture the profound impact she had on every life she touched and every home she graced with her presence.

Beyond her family and work, Mutt's passions included cooking and gardening, both of which she approached with an artist's touch and a healer's intent. Her kitchen was a place of alchemy where ingredients became meals that nourished the body and soothed the soul. Her garden was a canvas of vibrant colors and verdant life, reflecting her belief in growth and renewal.

As a motivational force, Mutt lived by the words of Maya Angelou, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." She not only lived by this creed but also inspired others to find their own light in the midst of darkness. Her presence was a beacon of hope and joy, reminding all who knew her that life's storms are temporary, but the beauty we create and share is eternal.

In every role she played, Mutt was more than just a title—she was a presence that left an indelible mark on the world. Her laughter was a melody that set the rhythm of her family's heartbeats, and her advice was the compass that guided them through life's many challenges. She taught her children and their children after them the value of hard work, the importance of education, and the power of love.

Mutt's life was a journey of purpose, a voyage that inspired countless others to embrace their own paths with courage and optimism. Her story is not one of an end but a continuing legacy—a narrative of a woman who planted seeds of kindness and harvested an abundance of love.

As we bid farewell to Ethel Pearl Zellous-Pink, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, a path brilliantly walked, and a love unconditionally shared. Her spirit remains a guiding light, a reminder that every one of us has the potential to be a rainbow in someone's cloud, to be a source of inspiration and hope, just as she was to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will be cherished, her lessons treasured, and her love felt always.


 

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