Esther Mae Ward Wilson

Esther Ward Wilson, much loved by family and friends, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2022 at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, SC at the age of 89. Born to the late Clara and Robert Lee Ward of Mt. Holly, NC, she graduated from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro and served as a teacher in the Charlotte, NC public school system prior to her marriage to Robert Buchanan Wilson and moved to High Point, NC in 1955. Esther was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in High Point, NC and then First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC after moving there in 1969 with her family of six. In earlier years Esther served as Sunday School teacher of children and youth, pianist, Stephen minister, on various church committees, in women's circles, sang in the choir and was a member of the Agape Sunday School Class. Her volunteer work extended to public schools, Shriner's Hospital, Pendleton Place and Full Dimension Ministries. Her hobbies included travel, photography, golf, needlework, piano, organ, singing, reading, puzzles and a miniature doll house project. She enjoyed hosting numerous groups and gatherings through the years in her home. One of her greatest joys was her family, being an active mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and having the special opportunities of teaching her grandchildren to play the piano and swim.

Surviving are her two daughters: Cathy Chandler (Jack) and Caron Wilson, and two sons Bo Wilson and Barry Wilson - all of the Greenville area; five grandchildren: Kristen Chandler Turner (Chad) of Tucson, AZ, Natalie Chandler Elder (Sam) of Valley Center, KS, Mark Chandler (Logan) of Greenville, SC, Bo's sons Michael Wilson (Hayden) of Greenville, SC, and Cory Wilson of Seneca, SC; two step-grandsons: Charlie Phillips (DJ) of Gainesville, GA and Mackie Phillips (Anna) of Hendersonville, NC; fourteen great-grandchildren: Blaise, Knox, Mead, Michelle, Adam and Will Turner; Jack, Randy and Clara Elder; Libby, Pete and Lucy Chandler, and Gus and Lark Wilson; and four step-great-grandchildren: Alex, Sean and Ryan Phillips and RJ Phillips. Also surviving are Esther's sister Dolores Hendley and brother Robert L. Ward, Jr. (Linda) of Charlotte, NC, along with four nieces, three nephews and their spouses and children, as well as much appreciated helper and care-provider Mike Schultz.

A memorial service will be held at the Rolling Green Village Chapel (Blue Ridge Room D in The Village Center) in Greenville, SC on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Chad Turner (grandson) and Rev. Dr. Pam Cole officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service.

A private interment will be held at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, NC. Arrangements are being handled by Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive in Greenville, SC.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for Esther's family