Esther Jones' Obituary
Esther Jones, 94 of North Port, Florida was welcomed into Heaven on May 1st at the Venice, Florida ER with her twin daughters Sharon Johnson and Karen Deskins by her side. Esther was proceeded in death by her loving husband Ben, her parents Frank and Orpha Dalton, brother Bob Dalton, and most recently her sister Eleanor Holtkamp. Survivors Sharon (Larry) Johnson (North Port, FL), Karen (David) Deskins (The Villages, FL), grandchildren Melissa Shoemaker and Brandon (Erin) Deskins, and 5 great grandchildren: Katherine, Megan, and Samantha Shoemaker and Ashleigh and Morgan Deskins are comforted by knowing the reunion they must be having!
Esther graduated from Urbana High School, moved to South Bend, IN and served as a minster’s wife at the Mayflower Church of God, was the branch manager at First Source Bank, and then retired back in Ohio to be close to family. Esther was a great caretaker of her family. She tended to the needs and daily care of not only her parents, but her mother-in-law as well during their late years. It was only fitting that during the past 4 years she would have her needs taken care of when she moved to Florida to split her time between both of her daughters. She very much enjoyed her time in sunny Florida where she cherished the many friends and family who would come to visit.
Nothing meant more to Esther than family. It was important to her that everyone felt “equally” loved. She went out of her way to do for others as that brought her so much joy, and when others did for her, she was quick to acknowledge her appreciation. Distance did not stop her from continuing her close bond with her grand and great grandchildren as she was a daily Facebook watcher, chatted on the phone with at least one of them weekly, and looked forward to school break visits. She was the best listener and gave nothing but her support, which were just the qualities that the youngest generation needed and loved about her. It didn’t hurt that she always had a diet coke and doughnut to offer as well!
Esther would want everyone to know how great her last years were. She boasted that she had the best kids and the best sons-in-law. She would laugh and say that everyone knew what she needed before she even did and that she didn’t have to want for anything. She felt very blessed and would often say that she had lived the best life.
We would like an opportunity to celebrate that life by welcoming a gathering of friends and family at 10:00am on June 19th at the River of Life Christian Center, 775 Washington Ave, Urbana. The family asks that you join them for a light lunch following the service.
What’s your fondest memory of Esther?
What’s a lesson you learned from Esther?
Share a story where Esther's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Esther you’ll never forget.
How did Esther make you smile?