Ethel was born December 24, 1924 to Hilton and Geronia
Major while Hilton was employed on "The Contract"
in United States. Shortly after Ethel's birth, her parents
returned to the Bahamas taking residence in the settlement
United Estates, San Salvador, where the pair later gave birth
to Ethel's four (4) younger siblings.
While in San Salvador, Ethel attended San Salvador All Age
School, coming to Nassau to further her education at the
Western Junior High School.
Ethel always had an eye for keeping things in order and
exercised this passion by working as a maid at the Princess
Margaret Hospital. 'Johnny' as she was affectionately called
by her colleagues excelled on the job securing promotions
leading up to maid supervisor during her 34 year tenure
and maintained ties to the organization subsequent to her
official retirement.
Ethel met and married Ben Johnson Sr. (deceased) with this
union producing three (3) children, two (2) sons along with
one (1) daughter.
Subsequently, Ethel separated from Ben meeting the 'love of
her life'….Mr. Stanley Pratt. Ethel gave birth to four children
and stayed by Stanley's side until his unfortunate demise.
Ethel doted on her grandchildren and sacrificed to ensure
that they were all happy and comfortable in her home. Never
did a day go by without Ethel providing breakfast, whether
that be Quaker Oats, Corn Meal or Lipton tea with freshly
baked 'homemade' bread. No one was ever turned away,
with the homestead being a place of refuge for all…….Ethel
was a GEM, the greatest ever!
Ethel knew who she was, where she came from and
the dreams that she had for her grand kids. Referred to as 'Gramma' , she always reminded them that all goals were attainable with hard work and determination. Ethel also
emphasized that nothing was too good for her grandchildren….and that she would move mountains to provide for those
that she loved. Reflecting on these colorful conversations are pleasant reminders of what Gramma stood for….she was a
woman of standards, character and not afraid to speak her mind.