Essie Mae Riep took leave for her eternal rest on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 surrounded by her family and loved ones at home in Manor, Texas. She was born on November 18, 1924, in Lockhart, Texas to the late Robert and Lola Sayles. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, a brother, and her daughter Larnell Sayles Williams.
Her family owned a farm in Lockhart where she and her three siblings enjoyed a very happy childhood. She attended Joliet Elementary School in her hometown and the Original L. C. Anderson High School in Austin, Texas. After high school, Ms. Essie joined the workforce and a number of different jobs. They included working on a dude ranch in Kerrville, Texas and as care attendant for a nursing home. She finally found her place in sales at Dillard’s Department Store in Austin, Texas. Ms. Essie was the first African American saleswoman hired to work on the sales floor at Hancock Shopping Center and Highland Mall. She was employed at Dillard’s for 25-plus years and worked her way up to the position of Manager of the Lingerie Department prior to her retirement. While working at Dillard’s she met and fell in love with Mr. Nathaniel ‘Sugar’ Riep. They courted and were joined in holy matrimony on March 23, 1971. This loving union lasted for 26 years until his passing in 1997. Bro. Riep introduced her to his church family at Wesley United Methodist Church. She then transferred her membership from St. James Missionary Baptist Church and became a loyal and dedicated Wesley member. Ms. Essie was faithful in her service at Wesley with her time, talents, and gifts. Her roles included: being a doorkeeper for the Lord as an usher where she served as Vice President and supported many a fundraiser for the Usher Board for their annuals and served as Communion Steward. try. She assisted Pastor Chase with the christenings of many babies in the church and served as President of the Communion Stewards. She was also an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Women (attended meetings, served on Table #7 for the Seven Table Tea, and sold her delicious tamales for the Fall Bazaar). Because of her connection with Dillard’s Department Store, she secured beautiful outfits for the models for the Tea in the 1990’s. She was member of the Wesley Prayer Warriors, along with her husband, attended the Tuesday Bible Study class and made sandwiches for the HOBO (Helping Our Brothers Out) Project for the homeless. Her hobbies included sewing, making quilts and blankets. Upon her retirement in the late 1990s from Dillard’s, Ms. Essie worked for the City of Austin as a crossing guard and helped hundreds of children cross streets safely to school. She was recognized twice as Crossing Guard of the Year for her service. Ms. Essie also served as caregiver of her best friend Sister Laura Giles for 20 years.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory sister Bernice Pinchback. Daughters Ruthie Sykes and Ada Sykes. Sons Lawrence “Red” Sykes, Robert Sykes, and Willie Sykes, and son-in-law Robert L. Williams. Granddaughters Macheral L. Jones and Christie L. Costa. Grandsons Mark H. Jones (Angela), Michael D. Williams (Andrea). Great-granddaughters Alexanderia Mesfin, Olivia Jones, Morgan Williams, and Michelle Smith. Great- grandsons Miles Jones, Maxwell Jones, Tyson Jones, Gavin Williams, and Matthew Costa. Great-great-grandchildren Angelina Valentin, Stacey Smith, and Sage Smith, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
