Dr. Ethel Mae Grissom Halley, the daughter of the late Blanche Massenburg and Grand daughter of the late Buleah Grissom and late Harry Grissom, was born on February 7, 1937 in Louisburg, North Carolina and at the age of 85, departed this life on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Stamford Hospital, Stamford Connecticut. She loved her family and took care of many people whenever they needed help. She had a love for traveling, gardening, the water, her koi fish, nature and cooking for her family and friends. Ethel graduated from Franklyn County High School and relocated to New York City. Her passion for helping people lead her to a career in Nursing. She attended Bronx Community College and graduated with an Associates Degree in Nursing. She went on to pursue her bachelorette and Masters Degrees in Nursing from Pace University. Ultimately she received her PhD in Nursing Administration from Columbia Pacific University. All of her educational achievements where done while taking care of her family and working. She retired from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Manhattan NY. Ethel was also an accomplished businesswoman in the real estate industry for over 40 years. Ethel was baptized at an early age and faithfully believed in God’s Love, kindness, grace and mercy. This shaped her belief in helping and giving to others whenever she could. She regularly made charitable donations to Big Brothers and Sisters and other organizations.

She leaves to cherish her memories her son Michael Joseph (Rosetta) Halley of Greenwich, Connecticut, daughter Michelle Halley of Greenwich, Connecticut , and partner Runee Harris of Greenwich, Connecticut. Her sister-aunt Patricia Williams of Louisburg, North Carolina and sister-in-law Viola Phillips of the Bronx, New York along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph Halley, sister Maxine Trimmings, brother Benjamin Massenburg, sisters-in-law Virgilee Washington, Mary Jane Peay Dennis, Josephine Spencer, Wilhelmina Halley Vieux, and brothers-in-law Sumpter Halley, and Thomas Halley.