ETHEL ELIZABETH CONQUEST
REFLECTIONS
“To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 A Time to Be Born
Ethel Elizabeth Copes Conquest, affectionately known as “Ethel Lou, Eff, Mama, Grandma, Great Grandma and Mom” was born in Birdsnest, VA, (Northampton County) to the late John and Annie Copes. God in his infinite wisdom called her peacefully and quietly on August 9, 2018 in the comfort of her home after a lingering illness. She was the last of fourteen siblings.
A Time to Grow & A Time to Love
At an early age she attended the Accomack County Public Schools and developed a love of styling hair at the age of 14. She always had an interest in improving her life skills. She went on to marry the love of her life, James Randolph Conquest, on November 26, 1944. To this union were born three daughters and two sons. She had numerous jobs before attending Clarks Beauty School and became a licensed beautician. She had a successful career that spans for over 60 years prior to retiring. Once she became a grandmother she loved and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Time to Worship
During her childhood, she attended and became a member of Friendship United Methodist Church accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a very active member of the church serving on numerous committees including past president of the Gospel Jubilee choir. She had a passion for singing and her favorite hymns included Beams of Heaven, Precious Lord and Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross. She saw the need for her children to have a very strong personal relationship with God. She kept her children in church so they could obtain wisdom, guidance, and knowledge.
A Time to Socialize
She enjoyed traveling with family and friends to places such as the Bahamas, Georgia, Chicago, Florida, and Ohio. She also traveled to various beautician conventions with other beauticians from many states. Other pleasures that she enjoyed were talking on the phone, loved having family dinners, word search puzzles, and Bible study classes.
What Made Ethel Special?
She loved cooking and baking (checkerboard, and prune cake) for family and friends. She was a special mother, grandmother, and friend. She was also, an excellent seamstress, and taught herself to play the piano. Ethel was eager to always share her knowledge and wisdom with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a strict disciplinarian and a firm believer in children being respectful to adults. She was never afraid of a challenge. Even if she did not know something, she trusted and believed that God would show her the way.
Memories from grand and great grandchildren
“ I had the best 11 years of my life with my mama” From Ja’Sean Conquest
“ I miss her so much and wish that she was here with me” From Kalaya Piliro
“ I love mama and wish she could be here to see my next birthday” From Frank Nick Piliro III
“ Thank you mama for all you did, how you helped me grow, and always teaching me the Word of God. I’ll miss you more than you will ever know” From Alicia Hayes
“ You will always have a special place in our hearts” From D’Andre, Standrick, Isaiah, Soleil, Noah, and Ian Fosque
“Mama was special because she cooked with love” From Kavon Conquest
“All that I do is for you grandma” From Ryan Hayes
“Loving and caring great grandma” From Yasmin and Zevadya Whitfield
“Grandma was my SUPER WOMAN role model” From Tia Whitfield
“The only cake I ever ate was your checker board cake. Thanks great grandma”. From Bryanna Garvey
“Thanks Grandma for teaching me how to drive”. From Portia Garvey
I’ll forever be grateful to God for placing you in my life. From Kaci Conquest
A Time to Say “Goodbye”
Ethel leaves to rejoice and cherish her memories, three daughters, Alice M. Conquest, Parksley, VA, Regina (Timothy) Fosque, Newport News, VA, Elvary C. Hayes Wattsville, VA, and one son, Kevin (Denise) Conquest Sr. Delmar, MD, 14 grandchildren, special granddaughter/caretaker Kaci Conquest and Kevin Conquest Jr. whom she raised, 21 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Her husband, James Conquest, and one son, Larry Wayne Conquest preceded her in death, as well as six sisters, seven brothers, two great grandchildren, Timmy and Kingston Fosque, and one son in law Richard L. Hayes Sr.
She also leaves to cherish two brothers-in-law, Lester Conquest, Upper Marlboro, MD, Norman (Michelle) Conquest, Wilmington, DE, four sisters-in-law, Louise Lankford, Wattsville, VA, Althea Copes, Pocomoke, MD, Bonnie Copes Philadelphia, PA, and Janice Conquest, Pocomoke, MD, a host of cousins, nieces (special niece Geraldine Macer, Baltimore, MD), nephews, (special nephew, Gary Douglas, Germany), extended family and friends.
