S. Faye Van Etten

S. Faye Van Etten., 85, died on June 3, 2023 at her home in West Palm Beach, Florida. She was born on November 17, 1937 in Decatur, Mississippi, the daughter of John Henry (Johnnie) Van Etten and Annie Pearl (Carey) Van Etten, the youngest of 7 children.

Faye grew up helping in her mother’s diner and local hangout, The Van Etten Café, described as “the place” to go for East Central Junior College Students located in Decatur, the county seat of Newton County. There is no doubt Faye took advantage of socializing, honing her southern charm, and making many friends while working hard in the café.

After graduating high school, Faye attended a certificate program at East Central Junior College and left home for work at Westinghouse in Mobile, Alabama; Faye recollects her mother told her, “I raised you to do more than just flip hamburgers” and encouraged her to leave her home town for a brighter future. Faye moved to New Orleans and worked at Texas Transport and Terminal and Lloyd’s of London, riding the street cars around the city.

She was married to James Wilburn Wofford, Jr. on October 3, 1959.They celebrated 62 years of marriage in 2021.

Moving to Atlanta, Georgia in 1969 and relocating to West Palm Beach, Florida in 1977, Faye raise 5 daughters and worked at The Center for Recovery, The Beachcomber, and moonlighted with secretarial work for coworkers.

With retirement, Faye enjoyed several trips including steamboat travel down the Mississippi River, Elvis’ homestead in Graceland, TN and the car-free, horse-drawn carriage, Mackinac Island; later in life she enjoyed her home, coffee, and family

Faye was often referred to as a “Southern Rose” and when asked where she came from, would reply, “I’m from Mississippi – Louisiana - Georgia – Florida!”

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Mary Lee (sister) and Buford Gandy Waynesboro, MS; John Henry Van Etten (brother) and Mary Edwards, MS; Laverne (sister) and Thomas Sukolsky Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Sidney Van Etten (brother) and Jeanette Waynesboro, MS; Kenneth Van Etten (brother) and Betty Edwards, MS; Joan (sister) and J.C. Rowell Lynn Haven, FL; husband James Wilburn Wofford, Jr. and son, James Wilburn Wofford III, and granddaughter Lauren Stephens. She is survived by her five daughters, Karan Loftis and her husband Tony of Monroe, GA, Christy Stephens and her husband Bill of Lake Worth, FL, Vicky Aleshire and her husband Chris of Augusta, GA, Callie Jerome and her husband Jason of Kingston, WI, Cindy Ellis and her husband Jason of Bel Air, MD; Nine grandchildren including Matthew Stephens, Sarah Stephens, Brenna Aleshire, Sheridan Aleshire, Kylah Jerome, Chloe Jerome, Keaton Jerome, Logan Ellis and Landon Ellis

Faye’s final resting place will be at the Union Cemetery in Union, Mississippi.

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/fort-lauderdale-cremation for the Wofford family.