Esther Church Strawson

Esther Church Strawson, 81, passed away at The Penn Center in Reidsville, NC on Saturday, June 1, 2013. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday at Prospect United Methodist Church in Yanceyville, NC, with visitation to follow. Esther was born December 16, 1931 in Wellsville, NY and was raised on a dairy and potato farm. She was a graduate and valedictorian of Wellsville High School, and she continued her education at Cornell University where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. While at Cornell, she met Fred, the love of her life and husband of nearly sixty years. Esther followed Fred from Avon, NY to the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia, and finally to their home on the outskirts of Yanceyville, where they have resided for the past eighteen years. Esther was a former County Extension Agent for Genessee County in upstate New York. Once she and Fred began their family, Esther became a full-time homemaker. She continued her involvement with the County Extension agencies by judging a variety of baking contests at County Fairs over the years, and she was quite well-known for her pie baking skills. Esther was active in the TarHeel Brittany Club, and worked side by side with Fred when they hosted field trials on their farm in Yanceyville. Until the past few years, Esther rode her own horse at the trials and was a tireless supporter of the club. Esther also volunteered with Meals on Wheels of Caswell County and had her own route for a number of years. Esther was an active member of Prospect United Methodist Church and co-chaired the Homebound Committee with her husband for approximately ten years, bringing church news and warm wishes to those unable to attend worship. She also loved working with her hands and created many beautiful Chrismons for the church Christmas tree. Esther brought much joy to her family. She was well-known for her glowing smile and sweet disposition. She was truly one of those naturally happy people who were happiest when surrounded by her family. Esther was a true wordsmith and enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and any word game that she could entice someone to play with her. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed looking out over their pond and watching the various birds at play. As her health declined Esther could be found sitting on the front porch, soaking in the warm sun. Esther was preceeded in death by her parents, Carroll Church and Mildred Whitney Church of Wellsville, NY. She is survived by: husband, Fred M. Strawson of Yanceyville; sister Phyllis Moore of Wellsville, NY; brother William Church of Wellsville, NY; daughters Phyllis Baker (Jimbo) of Reidsville, NC and Karen Gross (Tom) of Richmond, VA; son Fred M. Strawson, II (Adriana) of Spring, Texas; five grandchildren Kiley, Scott and Mac Baker, and Jack and Luke Strawson. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Prospect United Methodist Church, 1900 US Highway 158 W, Yanceyville, NC 27379 or the Animal Protection Society of Caswell County, 836 County Home Road, Yanceyville, NC 27379. Wrenn-Yeatts Memorial Funeral Home, Yanceyville, NC is assisting the family.

Esther Church Strawson

December 16, 1931 - June 1, 2013