On Saturday, May 1, 2010, the Lord called Ethel Mae Bennett to His heavenly place. Ethel was born October 25, 1937 in LaPlata, MD to the late James and Louise Woodland.

In January 1956, Ethel married William Bennett, of that union 6 children were born: Doris Cordella, Patricia Ann, William DeWitt, Barry Lee, Kevin John, and Gary Louis Bennett.

Ethel was preceded by her husband William and four siblings: James Woodland Jr., Robert Woodland, Frances Woodland and Shirley Boarman.

Ethel was educated in the Charles County public school system and retired from the Federal Government in 2001. Later, Ethel felt the need to give back to the community by serving as a Crossing Guard for the Charles County Sheriff's Department. She delighted in spending time with her family, friends and loved ones. She had a great concern for helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people. She was supportive of her family and a very loving, devoted mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She had a great love for children and enjoyed being a mother not only to her own children but to her nieces and nephew Sandy, Faye, Janice and Duby and many others. She was passionately known as an avid Dallas Cowboy and LA Lakers basketball fan. She was also known for preparing the turkey and dressing for all the family holidays.

Ethel leaves to mourn and cherish six children: Doris Cordella, Patricia (Dennis) Mattox, William DeWitt (Adelia), Barry, Kevin (Yolanda) and Gary Bennett; One brother, Reginald Young; Nine grandchildren, Patrick, Taj, Latisha, William, Travis, Jamal, Courtney, Kamry and Kyra; Five great-grandchildren, Tyheen, Jabri, Joshua, Maya, and Shayla; Two great aunts, Geraldine Woodland and Hazel Smoot; Four sisters-in-law, Gladys Woodland, Gertrude Carter, Eliza & Mary Bennett and Mary Young; Two brothers-in-law, Leon Bennett and John Boarman. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a special friend Mr. Theodore Carter.

Her Viewing will be in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland. Interment, St. Joseph's Catholic Church Cemetery, Pomfret, Maryland.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.