Mrs. Esther Reid

Esther Mae Reid was the daughter of the late Henry Clinton Steele and Alberta Ransom. She was born on August 31, 1924 in Tyrell County, North Carolina. She was one of seven children and was preceded in death by her three sisters, Maxine, Virginia and Lennie and her three brothers, James Henry, Alton, and Ellis.

Like many African Americans during this era, Esther moved North, settling in New York City at the age of fourteen. She set up roots in the South Central part of the Bronx. There she met, first as a neighbor and eventually as the love of her life, Melvin Reid, Sr. Esther and Melvin were married just before Melvin went off to serve his country during World War II. Esther contributed to the war effort by working as a seamstress.

After the War, Esther and Melvin relocated to the Edenwald Housing Development in the Northeast section of the Bronx. It was there that they raised their five children: Helena, Marcella, Angela, Melvin Jr. and Torin. Esther, a devoted Christian who had been raised in the church, knew that no family is complete without a good, strong Bible Church, so she ensured that the Reid family began attending the nearby small, but very spiritual Straightway Church of Christ. Esther, along with other devoted church family members, attended this church long past the end of the distinguished leadership of the late Elder M.J. Hamm.

While living in Edenwald, Esther formed lifelong friendships, many of which have lasted over half a century. One in particular was with Pansy Richardson Baskerville. These two bonded in such a way that they were considered to be like two peas in a pod and their families blended so well that, at times, they seemed like one family. Esther and Pansy would continue to grow together in both friendship and life through to this current day.

Esther and Melvin made a final move to Woodside, Queens in 1972. Although their residence changed, no change occurred in Esther’s friendships and she continued her practice of opening her home to many. When people came to visit, they could always count on a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a scrumptious meal, layered with love, laughter and fun. Esther Mae was known to be the life of any party, without ever one drop of alcohol.

As the world turned (which happened to be one of her favorite soap operas) Esther remained true to the traditions that her friends and family came to depend upon. Her steadfast devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, is the best example of the unwavering values she held near and dear until she departed this life on October 18, 2010. All who have ever known her will deeply miss the sound of her hearty laugh that could be heard resonating throughout the hall before you even reached her door. Esther had a way of making everyone feel special and valued.

Esther is survived by her beloved spouse of sixty-five years, Melvin Reid Sr., her daughters Helen Hanley, Marcella Thomas, and Angela Passaro, and her sons Melvin Reid Jr. and Torin Reid. She also leaves to mourn seven grandchildren; Joni Pless, Robin Hanley, Don Macio Thomas, Laiisha Thomas, Melvin Reid III, Torin Reid Jr., Robert George Andrew, her great-grandchildren; Cheston Patterson, Terrance Patterson (deceased), Ashiah Evans, Talia Pless, Nehemiah Pless, and a host of other beloved family members and friends.

Submitted with Love and Respect

The Family of Esther Reid

Arrangements under the direction of Thomas M. Quinn & Sons, Astoria, NY.