Es'Dorn Westbrook

Es’ Dorn was born December 3, 1935, in Walterboro, SC to the late Gertrude and Pinkney Harvey. At heart she was a small-town South Carolina girl growing up in Brunson—the setting of her many shared stories. She left there to study and graduate from Columbia College with the highest honors. Her beginning years of teaching were at Fort Jacson, SC where she taught English. Here she met the love of her life, the late Bert Westbrook. They married and moved to Raleigh, NC in 1964 where she lived the remainder of her life. More joy came into her life as she became a mother welcoming two baby boys during the early years in Raleigh.

Being a force of life, Es’ Dorn was active and engaging in many ways. Edenton Street United Methodist Church was a place where she reigned as a Saint and was known far and wide by all! Being married to a NCSU professor, she was commanded to be a cheering Wolfpack fan! Beauty of the earth was paramount in her life as one would witness by her well cared for the garden setting on Churchill Road. She even had a spot chosen to be buried! Arranging flowers was a definite gift as she spent some years employed by Fallon’s Florist.

No matter what was happening in her life, Es’ Dorn had her family as the front and center! She is survived by two sons Paul Whitley Westbrook (Mara) and James Harvey Westbrook (Ana). She was also blessed by three grandchildren-Natalia, James, W. and Amanda(Mason).

Whenever Es’Dorn entered a room, her effusive personality and stories about her life filled it with laughter! Vivacious seems to be a mild word for her. She was a wonderful soul who will remain in our hearts and memories for years to come. Never to be forgotten!

The celebration of Es’Dorn’s life and inurnment will take place at Edenton Street United Church –228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC on Monday, December 11th at 2pm. The family will receive friends following the service in the Garden Gallery.

Memorials may be sent to the Ruth Sheets Adult Care Center, 228 West Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Es’Dorn served on the Board with dedication for many years.

The family would like to thank the many friends who cared deeply for Es’Dorn to the end. An extra special thanks goes to her long time physician, Dr. John Lue, whose care was over and beyond and to Lula Brake, her loving caretaker to the end.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.