Ether Lue Bruce

Ether Lue Logan Bruce an amazing God fearing woman born on October 15, 1933, (82) died December 15, 2015 in her home. She was the youngest child of four children. She was preceded in death by her father Burnie Logan Mother Edna Brown Logan. Ether's mother died when she was two years old. Her mother's sister Mrs. Emmer "Aunt Emmer" Lennear raised her who is now deceased. She spent her formative years visiting her Aunt and Uncle Russell Penn. Their children are known as her brothers and sisters instead of her cousins. She was also preceded in death by three sisters Mattie Bell Logan (deceased) Gloria Bee Thigpen, (deceased) Lillie Mae Washington (deceased) and three of her six children, Clarence Lee Bruce, Edna Kay Bruce Keener and Ardenia Lynn Bruce Perkins. Mrs. Ether Lue Bruce was a divorced single parent who raised six children in a small public housing apartment in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was a true fighter for the family and inspiration to all that knew her. She worked two jobs to make ends meet and despite the difficulties she tackled daily, she completed her education, earning a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) then a Bachelor's of Arts degree from Philander Smith College and a Masters of Arts degree with honors from Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia. She taught school for thirty years at Pulaski Heights Middle School and retired from Forrest Heights Middle School. Mrs. Bruce's' driving force was her faith in God who led her to the pursuit of education as her way out of poverty. She refused welfare and worked two jobs while attending school. She was a true fighter for the family and inspiration to her children. People in the neighborhood who watched her day after day trudge through with books and children waiting on bus lines thought it was insane for a woman her age with six children to refuse welfare, work two jobs and attend school. She persevered against all odds. Ether Bruce was a member of Eta Phi Beta Sorority Gamma Nu Chapter where she has held numerous positions. She was Soror of the year for years 1981 to 1983, 2003 through 2005 and received the outstanding Basileus Award for 2003 through 2005. Over 50 years of her church life was a member of First Baptist Church, 901 Calhoun, in which the Bruce family refers to as their home church. She was always very active in the church program. She joined the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church on Mother's Day, May 8, 2005. At Saint John, she served in the Autumn Age Ministry, Link of Love Mission Circle and was a member of the Senior Women's Adult Sunday School Class until her death. Upon her health failing, she still remained faithful to God and her church. She never wanted to miss a church service and had a special love for Pastor and Sister C. Dennis Edwards I. She leaves to cherish her life, Charlie Lee Bruce (Jackie), Ellna Jean Givens (Rev. William), Dr. Sandra Bruce Nichols (Ronnie). Two special sons Rev. Malcolm Tony Keener (Carolyn) and Rev. Solomon Bradford (Gwen); 13 grandchildren and 22 great- grandchildren. Three special daughters, Ferry Simmons (Doug), Janice Anderson, and Rev. Dr. Lora Hargrove (fondly know as her playmate) of Pikesville, Maryland. She loved and adored her lifelong friend Mrs. Oshie Pledger who was right by her side all through her illness. A celebration of her life will be on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, 11 a.m., at St John Missionary Baptist Church, 2501 Roosevelt & Main Street, Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow at Rest In Peace Memorial Gardens, Hensley, Ark. Family visitation: Monday, December 21, 2015, 6-7 pm, at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305. In Lieu of Flowers the family is requesting all donations be made: In Honor of Ether Lue Bruce to St John Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 2501-2617 Main Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72206.