Ester Lee Earl

In loving memory of Ester Lee Earl, age 85, who fell asleep in death on Sunday, February 28, 2021. He was born on February 29, 1936 in Arlington, Tennessee, to the late Jake Eddie Earl and Cynthia King Earl. He was a “Leap Year” baby who officially made his 21st birthday on February 29, 2020. He was proceeded in death by siblings: Jake Eddie Earl, Jr, Dave Sidney, Caressa Baker, Benny Earl, Frank Earl, Ruth Moses, LaQuita Joy Hayes and Willie Fred Earl. He dedicated his life to God and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on December 12, 1976. He married Patricia Finley on May 28, 1977. Their marriage was filled with love, joy and mutual respect. They were not only husband and wife for 43 wonderful years, but best friends who worked together as a unified couple in all things. He was employed by and retired from Humko Chemical after 39 years of service. He enjoyed cooking for his family and hosting his many friends. His buttermilk cornbread, turnip greens, fried corn, candied yams, sweet potato pies, peach cobbler and homemade ice cream are just a few of his favorite dishes. He gave of himself and lovingly opened up his home as a foster parent from 2004 until 2009. He fostered three sets of sibling families during that time. His volunteer spirit motivated him to show his loving concern for others. He served as an Elder in the Berclair Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Memphis, TN and prior to his death, he was serving as an Elder in the East Powder Springs Congregation in Powder Springs, GA. He devoted himself as a faithful Shepherd to helping the flock in his care. Serving Jehovah God and Kingdom preaching were most important in his life. He enjoyed working alongside his wife and many others in the ministry, teaching people about the Bible. We all will remember his huge smile, generous spirit and humble disposition. During his final weeks he restated a quote that he read from a recent Watchtower magazine and reassured his wife by saying, “We have had a happy marriage. Many people never experience that. Don’t live in the past – although your memories will continue. Time will help you to heal. Don’t become bitter and feel sorry for yourself. Be glad you had these joys and blessings we shared. Memories are God’s gift to us. Stay faithful to Jehovah, stay close to the Christian Congregation and I will see you in Paradise.” Ester Lee leaves to affectionately cherish his memory: his loving wife Patricia Ann Earl, one son, Angelo Earl, three daughters, Linda Reed, Diane Kneeland, Janice Taylor (Jack) all of Memphis, TN and one step-daughter, Zandra Halley (Milton) of Marietta, GA; three brothers, Kellon Earl, John Lewis Earl (Doris), William “Hardy” Earl and one sister Naomi Thomas; seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. A virtual memorial service for Ester Lee Earl will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 21, 2021. Acknowledgments: The family wishes to thank Dr. Kobylivker and Dr. Kaser along with Julee Martin; Affinity-Bridgeway Hospice (Nurses Mary and Carey) and all who assisted with his care for their loving concern and support, providing the best possible medical care that extended his time with us beyond the expected. “Thank you” to our spiritual family and friends for their prayers, kindness, words of comfort, cards, meals and gifts. Your love has been a great source of encouragement to us during this difficult time. Revelation 21: 3, 4 “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear with their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will morning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Each Letter reminds us of the many reasons why we loved Ester Lee Earl ESTER E is for the Encouragement you gave each and everyday S is for the Support and Strength you showed along the way T is for your Trustworthiness, a quality that is rare E is for your Empathy which showed you really cared R is for your Reasonableness and on this we could always depend LEE L is for your Loyalty – for you were my trusted friend E is for your Easy going spirit that never let us down E shows you were Enjoyable and fun to be around EARL E is because you were Exceptional and that really says it all A is for the Appreciation shown in matters large and small R is for the Respect you earned for being truly kind L for your unselfish Love that made me proud that you were mine. Written by Patricia Earl