Esther Ulyse (Griddine) Harrell

Esther Ulyse Griddine-Harrell, age 102, was born on December 6, 1923, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Elder Ulysses Griddine and Anna Nadine Griddine. She was the fifth of nine siblings and grew up surrounded by faith, family, and strong values that shaped the remarkable woman she became.

In 1927, the Griddine family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, settling in the close-knit community of Roundtop, where they resided for many years. Esther attended Kansas City Public Schools and proudly graduated from Lincoln High School in 1940.

Through her brother, David Griddine, Esther met the love of her life, Jesse L. Harrell. Their union became a beautiful love story that spanned 64 years of marriage. From this union, two daughters were born: Carolyn L. Harrell-Kizine and Angela L. Harrell-Downton-Brooks.

Esther was obedient, quiet, soft-spoken, and deeply supportive of her younger siblings. Descriptions such as virtuous woman, honor thy mother and father, hands of mercy, and do unto others only begin to describe the depth of her character. She was a loving and caring daughter, wife, mother, cousin, aunt, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Her life was marked by service. Esther faithfully visited others, helped wherever she was needed, and was known for sending greeting cards to celebrate milestones, offer encouragement, and uplift spirits. She collected gospel tracts, Bible verses, and recipes, and was quick-witted with a gentle sense of humor that brought smiles to those around her.

A devoted wife and mother, Esther found joy in crocheting, sewing, gardening, teaching Sunday school, and attending church. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and often spent weekends creating new outfits to wear to work on Monday mornings. Her love for learning was evident in her vast library of Bible commentaries and books on marriage and family life, and she treasured time spent with friends browsing Christian bookstores.

Esther’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She faithfully attended Griddine Temple Church of God in Christ, founded by her father, Ulysses Griddine, as well as Calvary Temple, where she continued her commitment to worship, service, and Christian fellowship. In her later years, she attended Englewood Assembly of God with her daughter Carolyn, followed by cherished moments of tea and crumpets as they discussed sermons and Bible study quizzes.

Esther wore many hats—literally and figuratively—and was especially fond of stylish hats worn proudly on Sundays.

Professionally, Esther dedicated her career to public service. She was employed by the City of Kansas City, Missouri; the Internal Revenue Service; the U.S. Postal Service; Health Education and Welfare; and retired from the Social Security Administration in 1981.

She was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Esther was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse L. Harrell; her parents; and all of her siblings: Charles Griddine, Dorothy Griddine-Williams, David Griddine, Anna Nadine Griddine-Bass-Walker, Eugene (Jeep) Griddine Sr., William Griddine, Lucille Griddine-Rowens, and Samuel T. Griddine; two grandchildren: Darin L. Downton, Lorin N. Downton; one great-grandchild: Tia C. Hotch; two great-great grandchildren: Skye Roberts, and Phoenixx Roberts.

She leaves to cherish her memory four generations: Daughters Carolyn and Angela, three generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Gladys Harrell-Blacksher; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, who mourn her passing yet rejoice in a life well lived.

Esther Ulyse Griddine-Harrell peacefully passed away at her home on January 2, 2026, leaving a legacy of faith, service, love, and quiet strength—a life that continues to speak through the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on January 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64131.

A Homegoing Celebration will follow at the same venue from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

The Committal Service will take place at Mount Moriah Cemetery South at 12:30 pm.