[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9755]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        PRESENTING A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF WILLIE PEARL ESTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 17, 2004

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker:
  Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters was born on April 22, 1915, in 
Scottsville, Louisiana, she was the third child of Charlie and Lucille 
Graham; and was affectionately called ``Pearl''. She spent her early 
life in Bossier City and Shreveport, Louisiana where she attended 
public schools; and
  Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters accepted Jesus Christ at an early age 
and was baptized at the Bright Star Baptist Church in Scottsville, 
Louisiana. She met and married Herman T. Walker and to that union two 
daughters were born, Maxine W. and Joyce Ann Walker; and
  Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters, in 1936 moved with her family to Los 
Angeles, California where she united with Bethlehem Baptist Church, 
later she joined New Hope Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School 
and was a member of Choir #2, and the Mission; and
  Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters, in 1949 met the man who was to be her 
life-long spouse, Everson Boyd Esters, and after a brief courtship they 
were married and from this union was born a son Everson B. (Chuck) 
Esters; and
  Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters was always looking out for the welfare 
of her children and left no stone unturned to expose them to the beauty 
of the arts, culture and the world of music. She would not settle for 
what was common, but she gave them her best in the hope that they would 
comprehend and excel. She surrounded them with a loving home and a rich 
family environment; and
  Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters, with her family in God's hands, caught 
the fire of the holy spirit and followed her husband into the ministry. 
She grew a large circle of love by serving the needy and encouraging 
others to challenge what they weren't sure they could do. As a result, 
she developed a number of leaders and singers in the church, she 
expanded her circle and achieved State and national recognition for her 
voluminous work in service to others; and
  Whereas, Willie Pearl Esters, after lengthy illness passed on, 
leaving us to humbly acknowledge the living legacy of her love of her 
husband, Everson B. Esters, her children, Maxine Swan, Joyce Walker and 
Chuck Esters and other relatives and friends. She will be missed in the 
lives of all those she has touched, and . . .
  Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That Congresswoman Juanita Millender-
McDonald proudly recognizes this woman of faith, leadership, 
dedication, courage, persistence and wisdom and her distinguished 
service to her church and our community.

                          ____________________