Ethel Searles Obituary
The family announces the passing of Ethel Searles (Youngstown, Ohio) on August 27, 2026. Ethel, born on April 17, 1938 in Indianola, Mississippi, was part of many shared moments and relationships throughout life. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Ethel Searles to show support.
Ethel will be remembered for the time spent with loved ones and the moments that brought joy to those around her. Friends and family will honor Ethel by reflecting on shared memories and the positive influence she had in their lives. Though Ethel is no longer present, the bonds she created and the experiences shared will endure. Ethel’s memory will continue to be a source of comfort for all who knew her.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Florine Watkins and Thomas Watkins Sr.; her husband John Benjamin Searles; her son Virgil C. Hayes; and her siblings, Otha Jennings and Thomas Watkins.
She is survived by: her daughter Melanie Cooper; her grandchildren, Mallory Cooper and Marissa Davis; her great grandchild Christopher Cooper; her sister May Watkins Stewart; Earl Hopper.
A celebration of life was held on Tuesday, September 1st 2026 at 1:00 PM at the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home (1951 McGuffey Rd, Youngstown, OH 44505).
