Obituary
God has written a beautiful life story for His servant, Essie B. Woods McIntyre. Her journey began September 22, 1932, when she was born to Gilmore & Julia Woods. Essie made her transition to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at Methodist University Hospital. Essie was a very quiet person who loved her family. She spent a lot of time with her dad Gilmore in the kitchen, where she learned to cook many country dishes while singing and praising God. She cherished her mother Julia and always had things to honor her. At an early age, Essie united with New Bethel Baptist Church, where her faith walk with God began. She sang in the choir leading songs, attended Sunday School and filled in wherever she was asked to help. She did it with a willing Spirit. She served faithfully on the Mother Board until her health began to fail. She loved her Pastor and church family. Essie attended Hamilton Taylor Elementary School and would follow her mother to work at Dobbs House, where she became interested in cooking. Mrs. Wheeler, the head cook at that time, noticed Essie’s interest, and showed her how to prepare different dishes. Essie was too short to stand at the table, so they put milk crates together for her to stand on. Thank God for her cooking because on Sundays after church, all of her children, siblings, family, friends and acquaintances would gather at her home to enjoy her cooking and each other’s company. Essie attended and graduated from Geeter High School. While in school, she worked as a cook for Dobbs House. Mr. Baker offered her a good salary and she went to work for him as a cook at Mister B’s until her retirement. She also cared for her daughter, Veronica, until she transitioned. Essie’s story of marriage to Willie Jim McIntyre started with love and commitment that was never broken. She was his prayer partner, support, and loving wife. Essie was preceded in death by her loving and caring husband, a son, Willie Jim, Jr., and two daughters, LaVerne and Veronica. As the family matriarch, she leaves to cherish her loving memory and legacy two sons: Ralph (Aleta) and Dewayne; one daughter, Paula; one sister, Ludie (William); one brother, Freddie (Mary); sisters-in-law Earnest McIntyre Walker and Mary Threatt; and a host of grandchildren, relatives and friends.
Order of Service
Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Essie B. Woods McIntyre Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New Bethel Choir Old Testament Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Austin Oliver New Testament Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Derrick Saulsberry Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor R. M. Faulkner Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ervin Dickerson Expressions (3 minutes, please) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mother Celestine Braxton, Mother Board Deacon Fred Jeter, Deacon Board Sister Ester Kuykendall, Usher Board Expressions by Family & Friends (Open) Expressions from the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dewayne McIntyre, Son Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orlando Joshua Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doris Cordell, Niece Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calven Rayborn The Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Melvin Rodgers Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Essie B. Woods McIntyre
Next to You
You can not see or touch me, but I’m standing next to you. Your tears can only hurt me; your sadness makes me blue. Be brave and show a smiling face, let not your grief show through. I love you from a different place, yet I’m standing next to you. -Author Unknown
Acknowledgment
The family of Essie B. Woods McIntyre wishes to express their most humble gratitude for all of your expressions of kindness and concern shown during our time of bereavement. We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Johnson, Dr. Thompson, West Cancer Clinic & Dr. Ratliff, and Methodist University Hospital. We pray that God blesses each of you abundantly for just taking time to pray, help, and think of us. We love you dearly.
Active Pallbearers
James Mann Carlos McAfee
Benjamin Jones David Woods
James Sexton Jermaine Driver
Honorary Pallbearers
Robert McClain, Jr. Marvin A. Arnold Omega McIntyre
Ralphael McIntyre Eric Oliver Ola Ogunleye
Rayland McIntyre Dewayne L. McIntyre Femi Ogunleye
Interment
New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Road Memphis, Tennessee 38109
Professional Services
Signature Funeral Home by Premier 5270 Knight Arnold Road Memphis, Tennessee 38118
NOTE: There will not be a repast. Please respect the family’s wish for time alone.