Tupelo – Ethel M. Towery, 87, died Saturday, December 10, 2011, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after an extended illness. A Saltillo native, she was born February 1, 1924 to Robert E. and Birdie Hatley McComb. She was the widow of Buddy Towery who preceded her in death in 1959. She resided in Saltillo until 1961 when she relocated to Tupelo. She was a homemaker and enjoyed flower gardening and working in her yard. She was a member of the Baptist Church.

Graveside services will be 2 p. m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Auburn Cemetery with Rev. James Marks officiating. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include one son, Mack Towery (Kathy) of Tupelo; two daughters, Linda Guntharp of Tupelo and Betty Kellum (Earl) of the Brewer Community; one daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Towery of Tupelo; one granddaughter, Lisa Sherrill (Stan) of Chicago; three grandsons, Sean Towery, Joe Towery (Allison), and John Towery (Jennifer), all of Tupelo; one sister, Faye Fountain (A.J.) of Biloxi, one sister-in-law, Louise McComb of Biloxi; five great grandchildren, John Michael, Tommy, Aly, and Elizabeth Towery, and Reagan Collier; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Tommy Joe Towery; one grandson, Matthew Towery, two brothers, Roy and Allen McComb; and one sister, Bessie Sample.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2011, at W. E. Pegues in Tupelo.