Ethel Dae Woodall

Ethel Dae Ball was born in Swannanoa, NC, of Buncombe County on November 5, 1929 to parents Noble Preston Ball & Elsie Redmon Ball.

She was the oldest of four, with her siblings being Noble Lee Ball (deceased), Gail Loretta (Lori) Burns (deceased) and Raymond Ball (Phoenix, AZ).

Ethel was raised at Mills Home Orphanage in Thomasville, NC where she learned the necessities of life during a period when times were very tough. She excelled in her studies, discovering her passion for singing & sewing there. She went on to become a Graduate of WCUNC -Women’s College of University of NC, in Greensborough, NC.

Ethel began her teaching career in Stoneville, NC, where she taught Science, Math, Biology, Health and Physical Education, band and glee club. With her competitive spirit, she loved coaching basketball. Her record still stands of having an undefeated girls’ basketball team for two years, putting the men’s coach to shame. Ethel married Bob Comer, who became the father of her two boys, Robert and Barry Comer. Eventually the military service life brought her & family to Albany, GA. While in Albany, she spent her energies educating kids in Science & Physical Education, starting at Albany Jr High (54-55), Albany High School, and then Merry Acres until she retired and began the next chapter in her life.

As things often happen in life, Ethel and the handsome service man parted ways. Ethel stayed in Albany raising her boys, and then she met the love of her life, beginning the next chapter. Ethel Comer and Charles Woodall were married in 1975 and created a life together. Charles and Ethel were married for 21 years until he passed away leaving Ethel to continue her journey alone. Ethel had many friends and enjoyed writing letters, calling family and friends all around the country. She was involved in a lot of activities which included the Garden Club, holding crafting circles, even started an investment club, a book club and a movie club with her circle of friends. She was an active person who loved life.

One thing anyone can say about Ethel is that she was a TRUE American. She loved her country and was a patriot giving her time and money to causes that were close to her heart, such as The Wounded Warrior and Veterans of Foreign Wars. She also gave generously to the Sloan Kettering Foundation because she wanted to help find a cure for cancer as she wants no one to suffer the way she has seen loved ones have.

Her legacy of love continues on with her two boys Robert Comer and his wife Debbie of Round O, SC, Barry Comer and his wife Karen of Albany, GA, and her grandson, Dalton Comer of Acworth, GA. She has several nieces and nephews who will miss her calls and letters…..Her presence and the joy she shared will be sorely missed, but the memories she provided will keep her light shining bright for always.