October 13, 88, La Grange
Ethleen Brown Larkin, 88, of La Grange and formerly of Raleigh, quietly passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2016. Ethleen was born June 13, 1928 in Gatesville to the late Bryant and Blanche Brown.
Ethleen graduated from Hardbarger Business College and embarked on a career with the North Carolina Employment Security Commission that spanned fifty six years. In 1998, Ethleen was recognized with the North Carolina Richard Caswell Award in recognition of fifty plus years of service to the state of North Carolina. The NC Employment Security Commission declared October 1, 2002 as Ethleen Larkin Day and also established an award in her honor to recognize employees annually for outstanding service. On June 30, 2008 then Governor Mike Easley presented Ethleen with the Order Of The Long Leaf Pine. One of North Carolina’s most prestigious awards, this award recognizes individuals who have provided exemplary service to the state for more than thirty years. Hard work personified Ethleen’s life. Lovingly devoted to her family, Ethleen worked tirelessly to raise and provide the best for her two children. She was a passionate fan of North Carolina State basketball.
A graveside service to celebrate and honor Ethleen’s life will be held Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 2 p.m. from Fairview Cemetery with Rev. Brad Mitchell officiating.
Ethleen is survived by her daughter, Michelle Whitfield and husband, Dwayne; daughter-in-law, Debbie Wellington; two grandchildren, Jason Wellington and wife, Laura and Brock Wellington and wife, Theresa; two great-grandchildren, Charlie and Betsy Wellington; sister, Reba Woodard and husband, Norman; along with a special friend and caregiver, Pat Skinner. In addition to her parents, Ethleen was preceded in death by her son, Carl Wellington; and a sister, Mary Burgess.
Friends will be received Sunday following the graveside service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Memorials may be made to the Jimmy V Foundation, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513 or Alzheimer’s NC, 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27604. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.