Esther Marie Smith

January 31,1942 marked the birth of a precious child who would grow into a loving Christian woman. She would influence all those she came into contact with. Esther Marie Smith, a beautiful baby girl was born to Virgel Smith, Jr. and Euretha Smith. At the age of 11 she moved with her family to La Marque, Texas. Love, morals and integrity were instilled within Esther at a young age. Being raised in a Christian home, her early spiritual journey was nourished at Bell Zion Baptist Church where she was baptized under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Wiley L. Dunn. She was a proud Lincoln High School Eagle graduating with the Class of 1960. As a young woman Esther decided to move to San Francisco, California to begin a new chapter in her journey of life. She united with El Bethel Baptist Church, being led by God she joined the St. John Missionary Baptist Church working with various ministries. She later moved to East Palo Alto, California and keeping with her church covenant she united with Faith Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Purdee. She served faithfully with the Usher Board and she was a Sunday School Teacher. She infused the lives of countless others with her generosity, love and kindness. Esther was a diligent employee of the United States Postal Service for thirty years. Upon her retirement she returned home to La Marque. Upon returning to La Marque she united with the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. She served faithfully under the late Reverend G.W. Singleton, Jr. and current pastor Reverend Dwayne K. Carpenter Sr. Sister Smith's ministry work at Fellowship includes; New Members and Sisters Who Care Coordinator, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Girls Rights of Passage Mentor, Trailblazer and Health Awareness. She was always available to listen, love, lend a helping hand, give wise counsel and pray for her family and friends. Esther always had a love for children. She was a mentor, foster mother and God-mother to many. You could always count on her to help take care of the young ones. In recent years Esther came out of retirement and joined the workforce of Durham School Services. She began as a Bus Monitor and was promoted to Dispatch Operator. Our sweet Esther lived a full, rich life; wherein, she gave and received much love. Her presence will be greatly missed, but her spirit and many fond memories of her life will be with her loved ones forever. After a purpose filled earthly journey, God dispatched His angel to receive His beloved daughter, Esther Marie Smith, on Friday, October 9, 2015. She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgel Smith, Sr. and Euretha Smith, a brother, Virgel Smith, III and other loved ones. Left to celebrate her wonderful legacy of love and family devotion are her beloved sisters, Betty Robertson (Horace), Geraldine Carter (Rev. Lawrence) and Brenda Cotton; an aunt, Hortense Joiner; God-daughter, Tracy Davis-Wright; God-grandchildren, Shaniece Smith, and Bernard Davis; 1 God-great-grandson, Tristan "T.J." Baldwin, Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.