Ethel Ann Anthony (Fleming) was born to the late Benjamin and Ethel Lucille Fleming on September 29th, 1942 in Bakersfield, CA; she was the youngest of three children. Ethel was part of a loving family with two brothers who preceded her in death, Robert (2017) and Ronald (2023). She was baptized into Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of the Baker Street Church of Christ and later California Avenue Church of Christ.

Ethel graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1960 where she met and married Lloyd McCoy a few years later, and from that union came the arrival of her son, Darryl Gene McCoy. Later in life Darryl gave Ethel her first grandchild, Darryl McCoy Jr (DJ) who sadly preceded her in death in 2000.

Ethel pursued a very busy and rewarding career with Pacific Gas & Electric Co, which gave her the opportunity to balance her taste as a professional and a mother. Later on, she had a long-term relationship with Harold Sullivan who preceded her in death, and from that union came her daughter Gail Marie Sullivan.

Ethel had many interests and talents; she went on to work for Mercy Hospital in 1991 for several years as their Senior Medical Transcriptionist. Ethel was also an entrepreneur, and it was her dream to start her own business. She continued her education at Bakersfield College where she studied and received her degree in Business Administration in 1987. As time moved forward, Ethel met and married the late James Anthony in 1988 and they remained married for 29 years until his passing in 2017. Her efforts blossomed into their own medical transcription business known as JAE (James and Ethel) and Associates, which was successful for over twenty years.

While managing their business, Ethel also worked as a supervisor in the Medical Records Department at Wasco State Prison. After 20 years of service to the California Department of Corrections, she joined her husband in retirement in 2006 where her focus shifted to spending more time with her husband and caring for her family. Ethel had many past times with family at the top of her list; she also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, word finds, sewing, cooking, and entertaining. She had a great love for music that extended across all genres. Ethel was also an avid reader who belonged to a book club and had a remarkable book collection. Ethel truly cherished friendships and they were all a large part of her life.

Ethel's family life was the essence of her being; she was a devoted wife, generous and protective mother, loving grandmother, and proud great grandmother. Ethel's vibrant spirit brought laughter and smiles to every person she touched. Her charismatic nature always created a safe and loving environment for those she loved. Although her spirit has departed this life, her vivacious and caring soul will shine forever in our hearts. Ethel will be forever loved and remembered by her son Darryl McCoy (Laynatreell), daughter Gail Sullivan (Amy); grandchildren, Corey McCoy (Zhanet), Briana Gardner, Bryson Gardner (Alyssa), Layleeah McCoy, Chelsie Johnston, Noriel Ford, Noah Ford Jr, and Paul Williams Jr; her great grandchildren Avery Geiger; Alexander Geiger; Corey McCoy Jr, Soleil Engram, Jackson Maury, and Kane Maury; Uncles Edward and Kenneth Bagsby; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and many many lifelong friends.