Ester Johnson Smith

Oh, what a wonderful day, August 26, 1931, the beautiful and vibrant life of Ester Johnson Smith began, blessing the lives of her parents, Jim Pickett, and Leola Ellis in Marrow, Louisiana. Being raised in a Christian home, she was taught the love of Jesus Christ at a youthful age. She learned early about the importance of having her own personal relationship with God. She made her commitment to Him and was baptized at her family’s church. Her formative years of education were pursued through the Marrow Public School system where they were also completed.

Ester moved to the La Marque / Texas City area in her early twenties where she established her roots and raised her family. She made her house a loving environment, for her six children with God as the head of her household. She instilled diligence, self-worth, family values, compassion, and a strong work-ethic within her children to make them the women and men they are today. She loved her children unconditionally.

She united with Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City, Texas under the late Reverend M.C. Bridges, she was an active and faithful member of the choir and mission. Sister Ester Smith later united with Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church, under pastoral leadership of Dr. William L. Randall, Jr., she was very outspoken and an active and devout member of the choir, mission, and SWAT. Evangelism was her passion, she really enjoyed it. She was always eager to share and witness about the goodness of the Lord.

Ester was given a special moniker “Rooster”, by her beloved circle of friends. She worked diligently for NASA Space Center for 30 years before her retirement. Ester was united in holy matrimony to J Dean Smith. This marriage would span the time of twenty-six years keeping their marriage covenant until God called him to his eternal home in 2003.

Ester was a ray of hope to those she encountered. As the Matriarch of three generations, her sage advice guided her family with an intrepid Spirit and positive love. She enjoyed cooking for her family. Our beloved, noble, and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, Godmother, cousin, and dear friend has touched the hearts of many leaving her special hallmark on each one.

Ester Johnson Smith had fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept her faith as she peacefully and quietly fell asleep for the final time at her home, with her loved one at her bedside June 28, 2023, at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim Pickett, and Leola Ellis; her husband, J Dean Smith; her son, Kenneth Sowell; grandson, Michael Parker, Jr., and her sister, Emily Rue Adams.

Her precious love and legacy will live on in the hearts of her beloved family, children, Vincent (Loretta) Burnett, Gwen (Albert) Urps, Oseeg (Rose) Sowell, Jr., Elaine (Clyde) Booth, Timothy (Yvonne) Parker and Rev. Michael (Latricia) Parker; step-children, Evangeline (Patrick) Mullins, Patricia Smith, Jeannette Smith, and Michelle Smith; brother, Jerry (Sharon) Green; eight grandchildren; great-grandchildren; Goddaughter, Sandra Walker-Bell; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.