Essie went to school in Baton Rouge and moved to Houston, Texas in 1947
and lived in the Houston area for most of her life. She was a long time member of St. Helen's Church in Pearland, Texas and was a very devout Catholic. She moved to Burnet, Texas in 2014 and resided at Country Oaks Assisted Living until she moved to Granite Mesa Health Center in 2016.
Essie retired from Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Company where she was employed for 35 years. She enjoyed many hobbies; including ballroom dancing, square dancing, tap dancing, golf, walking and yoga. She belonged to a dance group who tapped at various events and nursing homes for many years. She played golf and walked daily until she was 85.
Essie is preceded in death by her parents, 4 sisters and 2 brothers, grandson, Jaye Evans and grandson-in-law, Cecil Winfree. She is survived by her daughter, Phyliss Evans and spouse, J.C.; granddaughters, Leslie Winfree, Rene Flowers and spouse, Laurie; grandson, John Evans and spouse, Audrey; great grandchildren, Cecil Winfree, Ill, Arena Mitten and spouse, Dan; Marley Flowers; Michael Saenz and spouse, Annie and Jeremy Saenz; great-great grandchildren, Camryn Winfree, Michael David Saenz, Andrew Saenz, Hailey Saenz and Emily Saenz. She is also survived by 2 nephews, Carl Keller and spouse, Gail, of Kentwood, Louisiana and Donald Keller, and spouse, Diane, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.