Esther Early

Esther Early, aka Esther J Early, Mom, Grandma, Granny, Gaugie, Aunt Esther, and Mamma was a strong willed, funny and kind soul that has left a lasting impression of her presence on many. Esther Helen Jones, born in Turo Township (Whitehall) Ohio on March 7, 1924, after complications of an injury, peacefully transitioned in Columbus Ohio on November 15, 2023 surrounded by her children. Esther was the 4th child of Albert Gifford and Rosalind Gertrude (Simpson) Jones and was born in the house that later became the Early family home. Esther attended East Broad Street School and graduated from Reynoldsburg High in 1943. Esther married Oscar Early, Jr. in 1946. From this union five children were born. Listed in order, Sons, Keith Preston, Wayne Gifford, Norman Oscar, Howard Douglas, and Daughter, Elaine Michelle (Hall). During her 36,413 days on Earth, Esther was a devoted housewife, loving and strict mother, a Member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, a friend and support source to many, School Room Mother, spent a brief period as the Whitehall PTA School Board President, worked for Lazarus and the Ohio Day Nursery. Having grown up during the Depression Era, she always had a place in her heart for the farmers and blue collar community of the world. Hobbies: Loved Plants (Green Thumb), and Baking (Specialties, delicious Rolls, Cinnamon rolls, Cakes and pies (Cherry pie)). Esther is preceded in death by Parents, Albert and Gertrude Jones; Siblings, William, Elsie, Thelma Anderson, and Paul (Juanita); Husband, Oscar; Child, Wayne (Geraldine Smith). Survived by four surviving children; (Annette Green, Rheta Early, Kathy Henderson, Denise Peterson, Richard Thrasher); Brother-in-Law, Russell Early; Grandchildren, Stephanie (Raushike) Ford-Myers, Kamara Early, Mariama Early, Malcolm Coleman, Mya (Artie) Cook, Troy (Brittany) Early, Corrine and Alexis Thrasher, Justin and Courtney Henderson; Nine Great Grandchildren; A host of Nieces, Nephews and dear friends. Services will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Schoedinger East, 5360 E. Livingston Ave, Columbus, Ohio. 43232. Viewing will be held from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. Home going service will begin at 1:30 pm. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 East Broad St, Columbus, Ohio 43213.