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Submitted: 5/5/15 • Approved: 5/10/15 • Last Updated: 5/13/15 • R1074348-G1074347-S3
Apr. 26, 1918 - Jan. 1, 2008
Obituary
rollerfuneralhomes.com
Esther Sylvia Harrington was born April 26, 1918 to Henry and Florence Holmsley Cullum at Higdon, AR. Esther's childhood was blessed by the births of her sister, Wilma, and her brother, William Howard (Bill). Their mother died during childbirth when Esther was a young girl, and later, her father married Ethel Bradford. To this union seven siblings were born, Gene, Larry, Kenny, Jim, Kaye, Dorothy and Laveda Faye. Esther and Prentice O. Harrington were married August 25,1934, and he remained her soul mate for 73 years, until she went to be with her Lord January 1, 2008. Over time, Esther gave birth to five sons, Charles, David, Parker, Robert, and Mark.
Prentice and Esther were the proud grandparents of nine grandsons, David Anthony; Scott; Steve; Sean; Jeff; Mike; David Andrew; Doug; and Justin, and two treasured granddaughters, Paige and Christelle. They have eighteen great grandchildren, Luke, Leah, Elizabeth, John David, Rachel, Rebekah, Danny Scott, Savannah, Madeline, Morgan, Julian, Stephen, Jonathan, Jack, Tom, Sylvia, and Lena.
In addition to those listed above, Esther is also survived by daughters- in-law Daphne, Lynda, and Tina, her brother-in- law, Russell D. Harrington, Sr. and her sister-in-law, Freddie Griffin, and numerous other loved ones.
Esther was a beautiful and talented young lady with a sense of style, who continued to retain those attributes through her adulthood as she served alongside her husband in his pastorates of Southern Baptist Churches throughout Arkansas. Not having any daughters of her own, she especially loved working with the young ladies of their churches. It would be impossible to determine the influence she rendered to the many Girls Auxiliaries and Young Women's Auxiliaries she guided through mission leadership. As well as their spiritual advisor, her homemaking skills were demonstrated in many ways as she mentored these young ladies. She was skilled in Grafting beautiful needlepoint and appliqué linens. Her love for God's creation was expressed through her years of success in growing many varieties of flowers, her favorites being, irises and roses. She especially loved serving her Lord by magnificent fresh floral arrangements from her garden for the worship services. She was so talented in this endeavor that at times when she had to resort to silk flowers, she was thanked from the pulpit for the beautiful fresh flowers! However, her gifts were not restricted to church functions; gorgeous bouquets found their way to many church members' and friends' special family occasions, or their hospital rooms, as well as grandsons' college graduation or wedding receptions.
Not only did her green thumb relate to flowers, she took pride in the success of their vegetable gardening and various fruit trees. She was recognized as the "hostess with the mostest" when it came to delicious foods. Early on, she had learned from her mother the special touch of preparing healthy, nutritious meals, and throughout her life, she demonstrated her love by sharing with family and friends. She was known for her delicious desserts, yeast rolls and doughnuts, beautiful pies with "mile high meringues," freshly ground coconut cakes, crispy fried pies, and flaky Danish wedding cookies. How many church suppers did she prepare, how many baby or bridal showers, teas, weddings and anniversaries did she honor her extended and church family? In addition to these, she enjoyed serving wholesome country meals, with fresh from the garden or from the bounty of canned fruit and vegetables from their pantry or freezer.
When she was a young wife and mother, she became involved in the Order of the Eastern Star and excelled in this organization, moving up the ranks to the position of Worthy Matron, well on her way to Grand Worthy Matron. She also worked as a telephone operator when her husband was serving overseas during World War II. At one point in her life, Esther worked in a fashionable clothing store. She was comfortable and confident in this position as it gave her an opportunity to share her interest and ability, assisting others in selecting ensembles of good taste and quality.
Esther was a member of the Bono Baptist Church. The celebration of her life will be Friday, 1:00 pm at the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier, AR with family hour Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Interment will be at Thorn Cemetery in Greenbrier. Pallbearers for her service will be her grandsons and great-grandsons with her brothers serving as honorary pallbearers.
The family would like to thank all the health care professionals who have assisted in our loved ones' care through the past several years.
Contributed on 5/5/15 by hawkinsdonna
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Record #: 1074348