Miriam Uel Blakeney Ethridge
Miriam Uel Blakeney Ethridge, 71, died December 23, 2021, in the comfort of her home in Madison, MS, after a brief, unexpected illness. Miriam was born the second daughter of Uel and Louise Maddox Blakeney February 6, 1950, in Raleigh, Mississippi. Miriam attended the University of Mississippi and remained an avid Rebel football fan. Miriam enjoyed many different facets of life including golf, tennis, gardening, and painting, all in which she excelled. Her love of flowers, coupled with her civic pride, lead her to a path of gardening, landscaping and beautifying her beloved town of Madison where she was appointed by the City as Code Enforcement Officer in 2018.
Miriam, together with her devoted husband of over forty years, Dr. Heber C. Ethridge, built a home known for its elegance and charm. Notably their home is known for the beautiful flowers and vegetable gardens that line the grounds. Miriam’s home was not complete without her three beautiful golden retrievers, Sage, Levi, and Skye, frolicking freely around the grounds. Prior to Heber’s passing, he and Miriam were frequent entertainers and enjoyed hosting friends and events at their home where guests could enjoy Miriam’s gourmet cooking. Miriam was the City’s advocate for American Bloom, where she was instrumental in developing and bringing to life the botanical gardens at the Historic Montgomery House in Madison, from which the City received National recognition. Later in life, Miriam picked up a paintbrush and began oil painting. Friends and family cherish her paintings and many of her paintings hang in businesses and homes around the Jackson Metro area.
Miriam was a long-time member of Madison United Methodist Church, Madison Garden Club, Jackson Garden Club, Keep Madison the City Beautiful, Madison Organization of Neighborhoods, and Old Rose Society. She helped develop The Children’s Memorial Garden for “Gone Too Soon,” an organization for parents whose children predeceased them.
Her four beloved sisters, Marilyn Blakeney Bray, Lucy Blakeney Tullos, Harriet Blakeney Lamkin, and Meg Blakeney Williams as well as numerous nieces and nephews survive Miriam, or Mim as her family called her. Survivors also include her stepchildren, Dr. Clark Ethridge, Dr. Chris Ethridge, Carol McKinnon, and Dr. Jesse "Rusty" Ethridge as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband Dr. H.C. Ethridge and her parents Uel and Louise Maddox Blakeney. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Parkway Memorial Cemetery located at 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS. 39157. Contributions in Miriam’s honor may be made to CARA, the Botanical Gardens at the Montgomery House, or a charity of choice.