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Despite having arthritis in her hands, Ethel Smith, 86, does needlework to pass the time while living at Hughes Home.
Ethel Smith, 86, worked for 36 years in the cafeteria at James Monroe High School. She now makes needlework coverings for bricks from the old high school for some of the former students with whom she keeps in touch. |
By CATHY DYSON
When Ethel Smith worked in the cafeteria at James Monroe High School, she connected to people over fried chicken and homemade rolls.
These days, she uses needle and thread.
Smith moved into Hughes Home in Fredericksburg a year ago because of her health. She can't walk, has heart problems and has battled three kinds of cancer.
"Old as I am, I thank the Lord I have a good memory," said Smith, who turns 87 next month.
Her mind works double most days, between her hobby of needlework and her 36 years of memories in the Jayem cafeteria.
Smith started the first day the old Jayem opened in 1952. Smith knew every student who came through her line. She called each by name, often made cakes on their birthdays and even ironed their shirts and ties.
"From the day I entered until the day I left, I never had any trouble with them," said the cook and cafeteria manager. "They used to come up and hug me. Now, they tell me at school, they can't do that anymore, and that takes something away."
Many of those who knew her at school stop by her room at Hughes after visiting relatives.
"It seems that for most anyone who walks through the door, there's some kind of connection," said Marcia Roland, activities director at Hughes.
Smith makes tissue box covers from plastic canvas and yarn. She also creates pocket pouches filled with yarn-covered crosses or poems. She's given something she's made to every person at Hughes.
She's even found a way to connect her needlework with Jayem. She makes doorstops from bricks from the former school, torn down a year ago. She covers the canvas with black and orange yarn, adds "JMHS" and the graduation year.
She's sold 15 doorstops for $5 apiece. The projects keep her busy and give her money for more yarn.
Her children, Judi and Jerry, cover her costs at Hughes and visit regularly. They both graduated from James Monroe, even though Smith and her late husband, Lafayette, lived in Spotsylvania County. Smith paid tuition for her children to attend the school she loved.
Smith used to send birthday cards to alumni, but now writing hurts her hands. But she can still work a needle, which is as sharp as her memories of James Monroe students.
"I have kept up with right many of them," Smith said. "I think about them all the time."
To reach CATHY DYSON:
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com
