Paul Richard Ethridge

Paul Richard Ethridge was born November 18,1937 in Hopewell, Virginia to Harrison Ethridge and Pauline Mosley Ethridge, the youngest of three children which included Jacqueline and Harrison. He spent his childhood at home in Petersburg, Virginia and attended Petersburg Public Schools and then Blue Ridge School in Saint George, Virginia - at that time, a residential program for disabled children. In 1989, Paul followed his brother to Washington, DC and became a resident at the Washington Home, where he was joined in 1992 by his sister who predeceased him in 1993. Paul's developmental disorder, mild cerebral palsy and progressive visual condition eventually confined him to a wheelchair which he could navigate by following along corridor walls. He enjoyed receiving mail and meeting people. He became known as the unofficial "mayor" of the Washington Home by sitting for hours near the reception desk and quizzing visitors as to their family characteristics. He was able to travel to Jamaica and Nashville as well as concerts at the Kennedy Center with the help of special agencies and friends. With the death of his parents, his brother, Harrison and his partner, Cleveland Mosby,
became life-long caretakers and guardians until Harrison's death in 1992.
Upon the closing of the Washington Home, Paul moved to the Health Center at what is now Ingleside at Rock Creek. His diminishing sight resulted in blindness, and he became hard of hearing as well. He still enjoyed meeting visitors to his room and had a talent for remembering facts about them from previous encounters. Paul's ability to cope with and enjoy his life despite his multiple disabilities was an inspiration to all who knew him.
He is survived by his cousin, Reagan (Linda) Ethridge of Americus, GA; his guardian, Cleveland Mosby; and longtime friends, Spencer Gibbins and Javier Barker. There will be a graveside service on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Blandford Cemetery. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .