Esther L. St. James

Esther L. St. James passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 29, 2017 with her loving family by her side. Esther, the youngest daughter born to parents George Williams Sr. and Artia Whiteside, was born April 30th, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. As a young child, Esther had a caring heart and a strong love for family, which was reinforced by her actions. As a young girl, she learned to be independent and demonstrated a strong sense of determination. These strong character traits she developed after the loss of her mother at the early age of six (6). Upon his arrival, she immediately grew to love and protect her younger brother George. Esther showed a strong spirit of caring, protection and determination by often asking to take her brother’s punishments, so that he would not suffer the pain of spankings. Esther was diagnosed with polio at the age of 8 years old. She was hospitalized far away from home, but she was cared for and supported by her father during his weekly visits. Later, Esther was sent to Spalding High school for Children with Disabilities in Chicago. It was here that she met the love of her life, Norman E. St. James. They married November 27th, 1965 and to this union an only child, a daughter, Monique Renee was born. Esther showered much love, guidance and protection upon Monique. She knew she was, indeed, ‘a special gift from God’ since many doctors predicted she would never be able to give birth. Being the wise mother that she was, Esther knew education would be the key to a successful future for Monique. Having this insight, Esther supported and supervised Monique’s education journey by daily volunteering at St. Lawrence Elementary School. Esther’s excellent work with children was soon recognized. She was a key community advocate, who demonstrated the capability and willingness to support and inspire children of color. After observing her exceptional skills, the school soon offered her a position as Teacher Assistant. Later, as her innate skills continued to surface, she was asked to create a school library. Shortly thereafter, Esther was honored to become the first Librarian for the St. Lawrence Elementary School. She proudly served in various positions at this school for over 20 years. After demonstrating a strong work ethic, self-determination and an exceptional track record of achievement, Esther was forced to retire due to illness. Although Esther experienced many health challenges throughout her life, her drive to thrive and overcome remained a relentless focus. She faced each challenge with her ‘gregarious smile’ as she worked fiercely to conquer and overcome each one. She often joked, “I schedule all my surgeries in the winter, so I can enjoy my spring and summer.” In 1977 Esther promised her dying father she would always keep their family together. That promise laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to her family. On December 25th, 1977, the first of thirty-eight (38) Annual Christmas Dinners were hosted by Esther for her siblings and their growing families. Christmas time always ushered in a ‘Season of Great Joy’ for Esther. Each Christmas featured elaborate decorations, a unique gift exchange and exciting family entertainment. An original Rap Song was created and performed each year which brought love, laughter and a legacy of memories that would last throughout the year. Esther never experienced a love greater than the love she gave and received from her grandsons Christopher and Kyle. She loved, adored and supported each of their unique talents and gifts. Christopher was her ‘Little Musician” and Kyle her “Mr. Fixit.” Esther was truly a sincere, loving, caring, supportive and generous ‘Gift bringing Joy and Hope’ to every life that she touched. Her commitment to right over wrong, love over hatred, grace over grudges and peace over pain, will keep her with us forever. Esther’s loving spirit will remain alive in the hearts of all who witnessed her joy and were lifted by her radiant smile! She is preceded in death by the love of her life Norman Earl St. James, Sister, Aida Jackson and Brother George E. Williams (Linda). She leaves to cherish a lifetime of fond memories, her loving daughter, Monique Renee and son in law, George F. Fisher; two adoring grandsons, Christopher Jarrett and Kyle Jordan. Left to remember a lifetime of memories are two sisters: Georgette Cavens and Sibyl Williams Johnson; Sisters-in-laws Gwendolyn Hughes, Eunice Smedley; Brothers in laws Theodore St. James, Lloyd St. James, and Alan St. James. A special niece Cathleen Green and a host of other nieces, nephews, and devoted friends who loved and sincerely appreciated being Blessed by Esther’s life.