1927
2014
Ester Mae Wilder Denton was the third child of Lonnie Sr. and Minnie Cain Wilder. She was born on February 28, 1927 in Wilmot, Arkansas in the heart of the south. Her parents, two sisters and two brothers predeceased her. Ester Mae was married to Travis Denton who predeceased her as well. Ester was raised in a Christian home and confessed her love for The Lord at the age of 12 growing up in Wilmot. As a child she and her siblings were required to read the Bible every Sunday morning during breakfast. The rule was if you don't go to Church on Sunday you can't have friends over to visit. She served at the age of 12 at the Shady Grove AME Church as secretary of the Sunday School. She often went to Church events such as BYPU and Sunday School Convention. She was educated in the Wilmot Public School system. Ester moved to SW Portland in January 1959 where she worked various jobs that included the Portland Fish Market and Multnomah County Hospital now known as Oregon Health Sciences University where she retired as a housekeeper. While living in SW Portland, Ester was a member of the Friendly Chapel Community Church. In 1965 she became a member of First AME Zion Church where she was an Usher on the Usher Board. She remained a faithful servant of The Lord until her health prevented her from continuing her Usher Board service. She was the mother of three children, Trudy O'Neal who preceded her in death, Billy O'Neal and Kenny O'Neal. She leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Laverne Toliver (Solomon), sister-in-laws Jimmie Lee Denton Hatton, Bernice H. Denton, grandchildren Michelle Robertson, Lavert Robertson (Tracie), Taneica Griffith, Jataune Hall, Donnie O'Neal (Kathy), Jimmy O'Neal, Laila O'Neal, daughter-in-law Kelly O'Neal, nine great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, her First AME Zion Church family and a host of friends.
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6 Entries
May 23, 2014
Sedonia Butler
To the family of Ester Denton,
My friend Ester Denton your spirit lives on and always will. I will always remember the times we laughed, good times we shared, and the many times you would give me advice, those memories remain forever.
May God give you all peace and comfort in the days to come! Love to all with sympathy.Your mothers close friends,
Sedonia Butler & Family and Mary Harvey & Family.
May 22, 2014
Janice Brannon
Our deepest condolences to the Denton family. We have fond memories of being her neighbor years ago.
Love and prayers,
From the Brannon family
May 21, 2014
Pam Etheridge
To the Family: My condolences are with the family in this time of grief. Sis. Denton will always be fondly remembered by me standing tall in her usher uniform at the church down on Williams Avenue. Thank God for her service. She is now resting comfortably in the arms of the Lord.
May 20, 2014
Mel Gruber
Michelle and family: I am so sorry for your loss and would like to express my sincere condolence to you. Michelle, I could see how much you loved your grandmother. I know you will miss her greatly. But she is now together with her creator. May she rest in peace. God bless you and your family.
May 19, 2014
Maury Sails
Sis. Denton I thank God for allowing you to grace my life and that of my family. You knew me as I grew into manhood and thank you for making a difference. Sails Family
May 16, 2014
Deron E. Tross
Ms. Denton RIP... Although I never personally did meet you, your grand daughter Michelle always spoke of her love for mother. Michelle, I pray God confronts your family. Again, RIP and God bless your soul.
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