Esther Marjorie Biggers

Esther was born to Horace Hall and Esther Newberry on April 9, 1928.

She graduated from Reagan High School in Houston, Texas in 1945. While in high school, she played trombone in the school band, was a member of the glee club, and competed as a member of the speech club. Thereafter, she enrolled at the University of Houston from 1945-1948. An exemplary student, she graduated within three years, earning a triple major in Elementary Education, English, and Speech.

After graduating, Esther began her teaching career at Lubbock Elementary School in Houston. It was during this time that she met John Biggers, and on August 7th, 1950, the two were married in the Baptist Temple Church in the Houston Heights.

Esther and John had four children: John Jr.; Barbara Jean; Deborah Ann; and Horace Edwin (deceased).

After relocating to Lake Jackson in 1956, Esther taught first and second grades at Elizabeth Ney Elementary School. She remained a teacher at this school for 29 years, where after she retired in 1990. Throughout her illustrious teaching career, it is estimated that over 800 children have passed through her classroom doors. Esther would recognize all of her students, regardless of the time that had passed since she last saw them, often surprising the (now grown) kids with surprise hugs in public. Her passionate teaching methods and true dedication to her students engendered lifelong bonds between her and the multitude of children she affected. There are numerous stories of individuals that could have “slipped through the cracks” had it not been for her unwavering encouragement and discipline towards children at all levels of educational maturity. These individuals frequently cite Mrs. Biggers as a key influence in their lives, particularly upon achieving great successes in their adulthood.

After her retirement from teaching, and maybe from being a little restless as well, Esther attended clown school wherein she studied to be a clown to bring joy to people of all ages. Joining Clown Alley, she would entertain groups of people across Texas at schools, nursing homes, special events, churches, and more. “Sunny Honey” as she was known in clown parlance, brought smiles and laughs wherever she would go. She remained active in this group for two decades.

A devout Christian, Esther was incredibly active in her church communities throughout her life. She became a Sunday school teacher during her college years, and remained teaching in church, in one capacity or another, for the next 60+ years. Esther spent many days with John at the family ranch.

A lover of genealogy, Esther immersed herself in the study of her families’ ancestry – accurately tracing her lineage back to as far as 1,000 A.D. Together with her husband John; they traveled the world in search of the stories, people, and historical records that made up their rich family heritage. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 (NSUSD); the Daughters of the Republic of Texas; and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award in association with DAR for 60 years of service.

Esther is survived by her husband John; children John Jr., Barbara and her husband Ron; Debbie and her husband David; grandchildren Nathan, Rebecca, Matthew, Jeanette, Christina and Bethany; and great-grandchildren Peyton, Lauryn, Violet and Madyson. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Daigle.

Pallbearers are: Franklin L. Hurta (Tiny the Clown); Nathan Smith; Peyton Wilson; Ronald Krenek; James (Bo) Lander; Dennis Leveron.

A Visitation will be held at Restwood Funeral Home on Monday October 19, 2015, from 6pm to 8pm. The Funeral service will be held at The First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson on Tuesday October 20, 2015 starting at 2:00pm, with the graveside service to follow at Restwood Memorial Park.