Issuu

~Her charming ways and smiling face are a pleasure to recall. She had a kindly word for each and was loved by all.~

LTributes oving

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley. I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen

Your Loving Sister & Brothers

Granny, your life was full of loving deeds, forever throughful for special needs.

Today and tomorrow, my whole life through, We will always love and cherish you. Love always, The Grand & Great Grandchildren

A Tribute to Our Mother

What you have taught us in our lives Means more than words could ever say, Your advice, leadership, and love Were expressed by you each day.

You cooked and washed, and cared for us We’re glad that you prayed too, You taught us to depend on Jesus For only His grace will carry us through.

Your love for others and joyfulness Were traits that stood out from the rest, And no matter what you were asked to do You tried to do your best.

You faced each day positively With others you’d always share The impressions you left behind Were numerous and beyond compare.

The sweet memories of you will linger on In our hearts will alwyas abide. We will pray for strength from God above And in His bosom may we hide.

Love Gail, Gerald & Dre’

Reflections Reflections of Life

Esther Louise Coward

was born April 11, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Gentry and Hester Lee Harris.

She accepted Christ at the tender age of twelve, May 22, 1946, under the leadership of Reverend AJ Campbell. She was a faithful and devoted member of Early Grove Baptist Church for over seventy years serving in various auxiliaries such as the April Fellowship Birth Month Captain, Sanctuary Choir, Parrish Concerns and Sunday School Teacher.

Mother was a woman of courage, wisdom, and strength, but most important, she was a woman of God, with a loving and caring spirit. She loved the Lord, loved her family and had the unique gift of always offering encouraging words to her family and even to a stranger on the street - spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

Two of her passions were traveling and fashion. She genuinely enjoyed coordinating and dressing in her “Sunday Best.” She was a true “DIVA” in her own right.

At the start of the day on Friday, June 1, 2018, at Baptist East Hospital, she was called from labor to rest and exchanged her “Sunday Best” hats for her Eternal Golden Crown.

She leaves to cherish memories a daughter; Gail Denise Shaifer (Herbert); two sons, Gerald Anthony Yancy and Andre La’Shure Coward (Mother’s Primary Caregiver); one sister, Edith L. Jefferson (Tyrone) of Clinton, Maryland; two brothers, Calvin L. Harris, Sr. (Linda) and David L. Harris; twelve grandchildren, Nicholas Shaifer, Bryan Shaifer, Angela ShaiferCollins, Lasunda Yancy, Kimberly Balde (Ibou), Tarik A. Yancy, Terrica Jones (Damien), Darius, Devon and Jaylon Foster; five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and all those who affectionately loved and called her “Granny” or “TT”.

“Precious Memories, How They Linger”

Gentry & Hester Lee Harris

Order of Celebration Celebration

Saturday, June 9, 2018

High Noon

Early Grove Baptist Church

557 Lester Street • Memphis, Tennessee 38112

Rev. Charles Mabin

Pastor ~ Officiating

Processional

Song of Praise......................................................................................Early Grove Mass Choir

Scripture Reading:

Old Testament

New Testament

Prayer of Invocation...................................Reverend Tony Reeder

Musical Solo.............“It Is Well”........Deborah Manning Thomas

Words of Comfort........................................Reverend Myke Collins

Expressions of Love:

(2 Minutes, Please)

Neighbor...................................Gladys Catron

Church Member...........................Gladys Doss

Family..........................................Linda Harris

Musical Medley.....................................................Shelby & Rita Burrell

Acknowledgements..................................................Tracy Semexan

Musicial Solo...“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”...Deborah Thomas

Eulogy......................................Reverend Charles Mabin

Recessional

~Remains will not be viewed after the Eulogy~

Special thanks to the Staff of Baptist Hospital, Baptist Trinity Hospice, and Joseph Carter with Baptist Trinity Home Health Care Services for the genuine concern and care of our loved one. We also want to thank our beloved brother, Andre’ LaShure Coward, for the unconditional love that he provided for mother for the past four years as her Primary Care Giver. Our prayer is that God will continue to comfort you and bring you peace. We know our pain will decrease and what will remain will always be. Love all whom you hold dear, precious is the time we share, do not wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow may not be…

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers! The Family of Esther