Othelia "Phoebe" Esters

Othelia P. “Phoebe” Watkins, Esters of Mount Carbon, West Virginia and Niagara Falls, New York formerly of Elkhorn, WV entered into eternal rest on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at CAMC in Charleston, West Virginia. Othelia P. “Phoebe” Esters was born on January 21, 1941 in Welch, West Virginia to the late Mr. Robert H. Watkins and Mrs. Minnie B. Bogle, Watkins. She attended local schools in West Virginia and completed her education in Niagara Falls, New York. She grew up in Elkhorn, WV, and attended Upland Baptist Church in West Virginia from an early age. She moved to Niagara Falls, New York and was married to the late Randall L. Ester in 1965. She joined Trinity Baptist Church. She had worked for the Niagara Falls, New York School District Board of Education since 1982 and as a nurse’s aide for 20 years. Phoebe was the type of person that all the family members could talk to and find comfort in her words of wisdom and advice. She knew all the oral family history and she will be missed dearly. Othelia joined the Sunshine Temple #187 in 1966. She served in many capacities to include most recently, The Loyal Daughter Ruler of Western New York and Toronto, Canada I.B.P.O.E. of W. Radio Council, Past Grand Daughter Ruler, Past State Daughter Ruler, Assistant Grand Directress of Anniversary & Flowers, State Directress of the Diana C. Perry Scholarship, Past National Council, Past State Council, Alfreda Edwards Past Grand Circle, Past State Circle and she had won numerous awards throughout Elkdom. For the loving work she had done in her Temple, the Daughters bestowed “Life Membership” upon her. “Phoebe” was preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers and two sisters; Taford, Mose, Robert Jr., Willie, Ralph, Arthur Lee “Slick”, Paul and Donald Watkins, Sisters; Bertha and Sarah. Those surviving to cherish her memory include: Three Sons: Thomas Lee Watkins of Montgomery, WV Gary Wayne Watkins of the Home Robert Edwards Watkins and wife Angela Seven Grandsons: Terrance Lee of High Point, NC Thomas Jr. of Montgomery, WV Johl Delmar of Hagerstown, MD Brandon and Andre` of Clarksburg, WV Christopher and Rashawn of Princeton, WV Two Granddaughters: McKenzie Elizabeth of Morgantown, WV Christina Gilley of Princeton, WV Three Great Grand Grandchildren; Rhea, Kristi, and Jazmyne all of High Point, NC. One God Daughter: Marquetta Cox of Charlotte, NC She also leaves One Sister and loving friend: Ollie S. “Sister” Allen of Maybeury, WV A Special Niece: Renita Watkins Hairston of Maybeury, WV A Special Nephew: Mose Law of Niagara Falls, NY In addition to a host of truely loving Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. One Brother in Law: Charles Allen of Maybeury, WV One Sister in Law: Juanita Bell of Niagara Falls, NY Home going services will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Upland Baptist Church in Upland, WV with the Rev. Harold Calloway Sr. presiding over the service. Friends and family will be received at Upland Baptist Church on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow the home going service at Restlawn Memorial Gardens on Rt. 20 Princeton, WV where family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Esters family Online condolences may be sent to the Esters family at www.cravens-shires.com