Esther Lee Smith, 65 of Chesapeake, Virginia was called home to rest on Sunday, July 26, 2020 while in the hospital due to breathing complications. “Sissy” as she was affectionately called by family and friends was born on December 24, 1954 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the 3rd child of nine children to the late Rev. John and Ethel Speller. She was predeceased by siblings Sharrion Horton, Bobby Speller and Calvin Speller.
Sissy was educated in the Chesapeake Public School System. She received her CNA certificate from Tidewater Commonwealth College. She worked as a Home Healthcare Worker for 25+ years and in Assisted Living facilities for 15+ years. She was a leader in her field and very well liked and respected by her peers as hardworking and dedicated to making a difference. She had a passion for working with the elderly. She made sure they all felt special and loved. This was definitely her calling and gift to the world.
When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, writing, watching old black and white movies and her beloved soap operas. Also, she loved to throw dinner parties and would invite everyone over for some of Sissy’s good home cooking. Her speciality was macaroni and cheese. She especially loved big gatherings during the holiday’s. Christmas was her favorite time of year.
Although she didn’t have a home church where she attended regularly, she believed in God and was baptized at an early age. She loved encouraging others by always telling them about the goodness of the Lord and how He helped her overcome some of the challenges in her life. She loved being a witness. She would say, “God won’t put no more on you than you can bare. Continue to keep the faith. If He did it for me, He can surely, do it for you!”
Sissy leaves to cherish her memory two children, Sharmona Young (Calvin) of Detroit, MI, Antwon Speller of Williamsburg; five grandchildren, Khalil Speller, Jalal Young and Kyorin Young, siblings Darlene Brown, John Speller (Barbara), Renee Dumpson, Ronald Speller, John Speller, III and John Sharpe (Sharon) and a host of relatives and friends. She also leaves her very good friend and confidant of almost 25 years Denise Taltoan, Azariah Morgan and Anthony Brown.
Condolences(9)-
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Demetrius Wilson says
August 4, 2020 at 12:01 pmMy condolences to the family of ms. Smith , i met her when i lived in va, she was a amazing lady and it sadden me that she pass , she will surely be miss
Hazel Veira says
August 4, 2020 at 6:49 pmMy sincere condolence to all who lovef Sissy. Love u to pieces my friend. Till we meet again, remember you will always be in my heart. God has u now so no more suffering????????????????????????
Phyllis A Sendejo says
August 5, 2020 at 11:16 amHeartfelt Condolences
To the Family Of Esther
We were School and Neighborhood Friends
So Saddened to hear about her passing, I will
Never forget about all the
Fun times we had in a small community called
Deep Creek..
Prayerfully
Phyllis Sendejo
Rest n Peace E.
Tony Sutton says
August 5, 2020 at 4:45 pmMay my Coworker/Buddy/associate/the list could go on and on,I am truly saddened to hear the passing of my Boo we cherished the memories/lives of so many patients together through the years RIH Sissy You will be Truly missed❤????????????????⚕️Love Tony
Ernestine Batts Buckner says
August 5, 2020 at 8:04 pmTo Sissy’s family you have my deepest sympathy.RIP my friend Ernestine Batts Buckner
Vicky Porter says
August 6, 2020 at 8:00 pmSo sorry to hear about Esther . Always loved running into her in the stores. She always would make you laugh. So much fun to be around . Praying for the whole family.
BARBARA SPELLER says
August 9, 2020 at 1:20 amSissy, my beloved sister in law, we shared so many years together. Watched our Kids grow up, will miss her calls asking what you cook, what y’all eating asking BJ did you see what just happen in the news or the day time soap opera. We would laughed together. Always reminding me and her bro about ten commandments during Easter. So many memories shared! She is already missed by me and the family. Love you sis..RIH. Barbara Speller
Cindy Davis says
August 6, 2020 at 8:29 pmMs. Sissy you will be missed! We had some good times at Autumn Care Of Norfolk….
Stella Smith aka Ma says
August 16, 2020 at 4:57 amSissy I love you ,you always my friend and I know you love me your Ma as you always called me.To your children be strong, no one to call me to remind me to take my pills,till we meet again❤️