Ethel Hyde

Ethel “Lou” was born to the late Sadie Mae Reynolds and John Spann, Jr., in Nashville, TN. She was her mother’s only child, but her father had another daughter (LaWanda Spann) later in Ethel’s life.

Ethel grew up in Nashville, TN where she attended Central High. Ethel was known for her athletic abilities. She was an avid basketball player and helped the team win several championships. Her love for sports continued throughout her adult life where she was a loyal fan of both the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds.

Ethel had six children, and she made sure they had a love for sports, as she did. If they were not participating in sports, she had them at softball games watching her play or sitting in front of the TV, watching the games.

In her late 20’s, Ethel divorced (the late Sylvester Hyde) and moved to Cincinnati, OH to live with her mother and stepfather (Willie Bem Reynolds), along with her six kids.

While in Cincinnati, Ethel worked as a factory worker (at Clopay and H&H Steel) and later became an administrative assistant. She had such a nurturing talent, that when her boss (Herb Hill) became ill, he hired her to be his caregiver. She nursed him, until his passing. In appreciation for her services, he paid off the mortgage on her home.

Ethel’s religious preference was Catholic. She often assisted in serving communion at her Parish (in Walnut Hills) before its closing.

Ethel enjoyed cooking, playing cards (with her friends at Madisonville and the Bond Hill community centers), collecting bells, costume rings and attending the senior casino trips. She enjoyed going to the casinos (especially on her birthday) until her health started to deteriorate. She also continued her love for sports and was an avid collector of all sorts of Bengals items. If it had a Bengals logo, she would have to have it (lamps, clocks, figurines, etc.).

Ethel lived on Kanauga Court in Madisonville, for over 50 years and was loved deeply by her neighbors. Her special neighbor (Terry Wright) would bring her dinner every Sunday, during the games. Everyone always knew when the Bengals were playing because she would have her flags out. She was also loyal about taking the flags in, after the game, so they would not fade. There was competition between her and her neighbor (Winn Wright) as to who could collect the most Bengal items. I think Ethel may have won.

Ethel was preceded in death by her mother, Sadie Mae Reynolds; father, John Spann, Jr.; stepfather, Willie B. Reynolds; and her daughter, Sylvia Ann Slaughter.

Ethel leaves to cherish her loving memories: her step-sister, LaWanda Spann (Nashville); her special sister, Barbara Jean Davis (and the Davis Family); her children, Carlos Greene, Joyce Hyde, Johnetta Brittman, Sylvester Hyde, Jr. and Antonio Hyde; her grandchildren, Latoyia Hyde, Anicha Hyde, LaTasha Burkes, David Ward, Michael Spencer, William Spencer, Cadie and Carlos Greene (Louisville), Candice Allen and Chelsea Poston; her great-grand-children, great-great-grandchildren, several cousins (from Nashville, Atlanta and Nevada), family and friends.

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