Staff Spotlight: Etta Somerville

Etta Somerville is a delightful lady with a compassionate nature and a strong faith.

Employed as a hostess at the company’s York Road location since 2005, Etta clearly loves her job. Today, at age 78, she continues to work several days a week, performing her hostess duties with enthusiasm and dedication. From taking the difficult call to report a passing, to ensuring that the viewing area is picture-perfect, Etta’s presence serves to make a challenging time for families a little less difficult.

Q. What do you most enjoy about your job?
A. It’s just so rewarding. I like being able to give some pleasure to my families that come in to the funeral home. I get to know them, and we get many repeat customers so I see them time and time again. And, the Vaughn Greene organization is really wonderful to work for. They genuinely appreciate and care for their employees.

Q. Do you have children?
A. I have three wonderful daughters. Two of them live locally and one lives out of state.

Q. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A. I always wanted to be a teacher. After I graduated from Dunbar High School I began working at Sinai Hospital. I wound up staying there in the same department for 40 years. I never became a teacher but I loved my work anyway.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. Aside from shopping, I am very active in my church. I have been a member of United Baptist Church for more than 30 years. I’m also a Church Mother, offering prayers, advice and comfort to members when they need it.

Q. What’s your favorite food?
A. Seafood! I love it all.

Q. If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
A. President Obama. He has been a wonderful, inspirational leader.

Q. What would readers be surprised to know about you?
A. I am a cancer survivor. I had ovarian cancer in 2007 but I beat it, and today I am cancer-free! I love the Lord. He has brought me through some difficult times.

Q. What words do you live by?
A. “What God has for me, is for me.” I also like the words to the hymn “Encourage Yourself.” They are very powerful.