Ethelene Hutchings

Ethelene Hutchings, affectionately known to many as “Babydoll,” was a graceful 91 years of age, when she gained her wings on Monday, August 21, 2023.
Ethelene was born to the proud parents of Earnest Ford Sr. and Alberta (Alford) Ford on April 1, 1932, in Fairfield, Texas. She was the third of five children.
She attended Sandhill Public Elementary School in Freestone County, Texas, graduating from Dunbar High School, Bulter Community Texas in 1949.
Ethelene was baptized at an early age and was faithful in attendance and service at Waymen Chapel AME Church in the community of Bulter, Texas.
After high school graduation, she moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where she attended and graduated from cosmetology school, receiving her cosmetologist license. It was also in Fort Worth; she met and fell in love with Cornelius Hutchings. Forging new paths in life, they moved to Hobbs, NM, and on February 14, 1952, they sealed their love with marriage. To this union, they happily welcomed Charles, Connie, Greg and Cornelius, Jr. They felt blessed in making “Big Brother” Roy, leader of the tribe.
As Ethelene enjoyed her primary profession as a licensed beautician (because she was great at it and there was no style she couldn’t excel at), she was especially talented in her craft and her expertise served the community well. She was also a great cook, a wonderful seamstress and a fabulous homemaker. She treasured babysitting all her son’s children, but the joy was equally expressed by the grandchildren who loved being at “Grandma Hutchings” home. The family stands together, thanking God for keeping her here these many years for everyone to enjoy. Her love for God, her church, her family, and community will always be cherished.
While living in Hobbs, she became a fixture, joining and maintaining her membership with the Lane Chapel CME Church until her death. She was a loyal member of the Order of Eastern Star, where she served a term as Grand Worthy Matron.
Greeting Ethelene on the other shore are her husband, Cornelius Hutchings Sr, siblings, Fisher Ford, Nettie Ford, and Earnest Ford, Jr.; sons, Roy Lee Ford and Cornelius Hutchings JR., grandsons, Patrick Hutchings, Charles Hutchings Jr., and Israel Oguin; granddaughter, Carolyn Hutchings and great granddaughter Breyana Hutchings; and other loved ones.
She leaves to mourn her homegoing, brother Edward Ford (Frankie), her children -- Delores Ford, Charles Hutchings (Patricia), Connie Hutchings, and Greg Hutchings (Beverly); numerous granddaughters and grandsons and other wonderful family and friends, including numerous great and great-great-grands. She will never be forgotten and in hearts and minds, forever cherished and loved. “We the family thank God to have her for 91 years and more!