Ethel May (Toland) Recer of Garland, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday evening, November 22, 2018, at the age of 85. She was born on August 4, 1933, in Carnegie, Oklahoma, to James and Gladys (Broughton) Toland. She married the love of her life, Elmer Earl Recer, on December 26, 1947. He preceded her in death in 2002. Ethel was a wonderful mother and grandmother who, through the years, enjoyed using her sewing knowledge and talents to create clothes, wedding dresses and even costumes for her kids and grandkids. She loved life and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. A regular at her local senior center, she achieved her goal of staying active and independent as long as God allowed her to live on this earth. Mamaw, as she was lovingly known, was fiercely loyal to her Lord and her family. It has been said that the closest thing to the love of God is a mother’s love. Mamaw’s love for her family exemplified that unconditional love, and she will be missed more deeply than words can express.
Ethel is survived by two daughters, Barbra Cain and husband, David of Kaufman, Texas and Donna Perry and husband, Danny of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Tracy Steele, Heather Parsons, Jonathan Smith, Christina Whitney, Jimmy Smith and Brandi McMillan; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many friends and relatives.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and her daughter, Patricia Kay Smith.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 26, 2018, at First Baptist Church Sashse, 2412 3rd Street, Sachse, Texas 75048. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends during a visitation on Monday from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., at the church. Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.
Donations may be made in her memory to First Baptist Church Sachse.