In loving memory of
Etta Doreen Lassiter Douglas
January 22, 1949 – June 3, 2025
Virtual Celebration of Life
August 2, 2025
3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM MT / 12:00 PM PT
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Etta Douglas Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Etta Douglas
January 22, 1949 – June 3, 2025
Etta Douglas, a cherished sister, loving friend, and accomplished professional, passed away at Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on January 22, 1949, to Arthur and Neaty Ann Lassiter.
Etta had a zest for life that was evident from an early age. A gifted student, she excelled academically and was active in numerous social organizations throughout her school years. However, her adventurous spirit soon led her to tour with a girl group opening for legendary artists. She later served her country in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class—a testament to her dedication and leadership. In the professional world, Etta thrived. She climbed the ranks to become Vice President at Robert Half Employment before following her passion in the entertainment industry as a Road Manager, Agent, and Booking Manager for well-known musical acts. One of her proudest accomplishments was founding “Another Year,” an initiative that helped build business relationships with China, bridging cultures and creating new opportunities.
Etta’s life was a beautiful mix of purpose and play. Whether she was teaching the latest dance moves at a party, cooking a new recipe for friends, or telling stories from her global travels, she brought energy, joy, and inclusiveness to every space she entered. Her childhood was filled with curiosity and light-hearted mischief, like playing tricks on her little brother or protecting him with fierce loyalty. Etta’s love of music was deeply woven into a broad eclectic taste and a deep appreciation for sound and rhythm. She would light up when a song moved her—eyes closed, smiling, truly present in the moment.
Generous to a fault, Etta gave of herself without hesitation. She was the first to offer comfort, support, or a helping hand, doing so quietly, never seeking praise or recognition. Etta’s acts of kindness, many of which were known only to those directly affected, reflected the depth of her compassion and her commitment to doing good.
A woman of strong faith, Etta found strength and guidance in her favorite scripture, Psalm 19:14:
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Jehovah, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
She will be deeply missed by her brother, Arthur Lassiter, sister-in-law, Terri Lassiter; her paternal siblings Joanna Celeste, Lydia Lassiter, Miriam Lassiter, and Linnea Lassiter; her beloved niece and nephew, Zoe and Aaron Lassiter; her treasured cousin, Michael McCarroll, relatives and the many friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and humor.
May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
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I met Etta when I first became a professional gospel entertainer, from day one she was definitely my first and most dedicated fan that quickly became my Lovingly Sister, that was not a secret by any means, Etta was my biggest critic as well as a Loyal supporter, if she didn’t like it, I was the first to know that, I will always LOVE YOU Etta D Douglas, Life is just not the same since you left me. Rest Easy my LOVE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Art, my prayers are with you and your family.
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Etta was an amazing person I will miss her so much she was very kind and funny she been there for me since I was born, my first word was actually “Etta” she always talked about that but that how close I was with her I’ve known her my whole life like she was my other grandma that how I thought of her she was amazing and so loving she had a very fulfilling life I believe she lived her life to the fullest and did not go without missing anything she was always traveling and doing things she loved and as a veteran she is much respected and remembered for her service she was a tremendous woman and person all throughout her life. She was always there for people and was an amazing person to talk to every time I saw her she always had a smile and always making jokes she made me laugh all the time I loved being around her every time I was with her we always made great memories I miss her so much she will always be with us in our hearts and mind I know she is watching over us we love you so much Etta we will always remember you I love her so much she was the best I’ll never forget everything she did and everything we did together. She will always be with me.
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I look forward to seeing Etta again in the resurrection…in perfect health.
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In my heart she will always be my “sister in law”.May she rest in peace.
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Mama Etta was one of the truest friends I’ve ever had one of the very best. She was always in my corner, and I believe she still is. She was the one I called for advice, to cry to, or to share my accomplishments with. She always had sound, thoughtful advice, and never ended a conversation without telling me how proud she was of me and my kids. My oldest son, Steven, was especially dear to her she always said he was the first baby she ever truly loved. In fact, his very first word was “Etta,” something she was so proud of and loved to mention. Their birthdays were just a day apart, and she’d often tease me, saying, “If you had just waited one more day…”
I’m so grateful that I had one last good conversation with her not knowing it would be the last. We shared updates on our lives, laughed, and, as always, she told me how proud she was of me and of Steven for going to school. Her love, support, and encouragement will stay with me forever! I know she’s still with me and all of us who love her ! Thank you miss Etta for gracing us with your beautiful life. I’m so honored to have had the 22/23 years I did with her! We love you fly high angel Etta !!!!
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Rest well childhood friend and prankster! Brenda Walker the Stanley Place Gang
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My Auntie, it’s so much I wish I could’ve done, but I do treasure our phone calls and time that we spent together. You are an amazing person and thank you for loving me.
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Mama Etta was one of the best examples I’ve ever met of a strong woman. She knew who she was and what she was and didn’t care who liked it. She lived her life boldly and to the fullest. She was never afraid of speaking her mind regardless of what others thought of what she had to say. She was the embodiment of tough love at times but also one of the most compassionate people you’d ever meet. She made it very well know that she didn’t like small children or pets but she loved my kids like they where her own. She often told me that my daughter was her best friend because she reminded her of how she was as a child. I could only be so lucky to have my daughter grow up to be the kind of woman Mama Etta was. We lost a part of our family the day we lost her and that loss will be felt for years to come. She will be missed greatly by those who knew her because it was impossible to know her and not love her because of the impact she made on every life she touched. I pray that she’s up there watching over all of us and enjoying her peace. The world won’t be the same for those of us who knew her. I can only hope that her loved ones find peace in knowing that she is at peace and will always be with each of us. My children and I will always remember this amazing woman fondly and be thankful that for a brief time she became a part of our family. We will always love and miss you Mama Etta.
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My condolences Artie. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
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Wishing we had more time together. I love and miss you dearly Sis.
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I love and miss you my old lady 💓
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Hello I’m Ciara I was mama Etta PCA caregiver, when I first met mama Etta 5years ago she told me to call her mama Etta and that’s what I called her mama Etta she was like a mother she open up her arms to me she was a loving and great person to me she never judge me and she always kept it real to me and I love her for that I didn’t get a chance to say my good byes but mama I Love you, you always have a place in my heart your truly going to be missed. Love always Ciara
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Etta was a cousin, we learned of the family relationship from the planning of a family reunion. We talked very often. If too much time went by and one of us had not called we would call the other one and say ” I haven’t heard from you in awhile is everything okay”?
This is how I learned of Etta’s being in the hospital. For me Etta was the person I would run things by because
“Cuz” would tell me the truth. I will forever miss her and the ability to call her and get the absolute truth.
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Cousin Etta will be truly missed; such a wonderful soul; may she rest in peace. As 2nd cousins we didn’t meet until several years ago when my wife & I visited her in Vegas. My heart felt condolences to our family and her many friends and associates.
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Condolences to Authur Lassiter and family.
Elma and Gary
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My deepest condolences to the family. May she rest in Heavenly peace 🙏🏼
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Condolences to my friend Art for the loss of his wonderfully generous sister!
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To Art & Family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. My fondest memories is when Etta would come to church dressed in her uniform which made this young girl so proud to see a woman in uniform!
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May the mercy and grace of “GOD” continue to be with the family during this difficult time and the days ahead.