Obituary of Ethel Bridges Venable

Ethel Bridges Venable, 89, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away January 24, 2019 at Providence Hospital Downtown Columbia, South Carolina.  She was born on October 21, 1929 in Ellaville, Georgia to the late Oscar and Bessie Bridges.

Ethel is survived by her daughter, Carol Trakas; grandson, Christopher Connell; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Avis C. Venable; her brothers, Shep, Artie, Felton and Morris Bridges; and her sisters, Lucille Thomas and Estelle Johnson. Ethel was the last surviving member of her family.

It was when her mother died of cancer she wanted to be a nurse. She began her nursing training at The Old Columbia Hospital. Upon graduating, she was selected to work in the operating room where she gained a wealth of knowledge. After the opening of Richland Memorial Hospital she elected not to follow, but went into the nursing home field. Ethel took excellent care of her patients.

She loved to gamble, taking numerous trips to Las Vegas, Mississippi and Atlantic City, and had the opportunity to meet Frank Sinatra and shake his hand.

She had a passion for animals, and if it came in her yard she fed it. She didn’t want to see them hungry.

Funeral services will be at 4 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2019 graveside at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A Reception will follow in the Community Room.

Memorials may be made to the Epworth Children's Home at www.epworthchildrenshome.org.

I wish to thank the staff in the ER and the staff on the 5th floor at Providence Hospital for their compassion and quality care. I would also like to thank Heart Strings Hospice for stepping in and making sure my mother didn’t suffer in her final days.

Last and most importantly, the staff at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park; your care and compassion went beyond excellence during this most difficult time.