Ester Lee Simon Crowder

WADESBORO - On Friday, July 7, 2023, Mrs. Ester Lee Simon Crowder, 77, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend but most importantly a Child of God, was called home from labor to rest at Atrium Health Union in Monroe.

Ester Lee Simon was born March 14, 1946, in Anson County, NC and was a daughter of the late James Thomas Simon and the late Cassie Bell Ratliff Simon. She was the ninth of fourteen children.  She was educated in the public schools of Anson County, having attended Deep Creek School. She worked for more than 30 years with Holly Farms, which later changed their name to Tyson Foods.

In 1961, she was united in marriage to Otis Crowder, who preceded her in death, and they were blessed with seven children.

Ester confessed Christ as her Savior and joined West Deep Creek Missionary Baptist Church, which was her home church and her families church for generations. She later joined fellowship with Kesler Chapel AME Zion Church in Wadesboro where she has served as a member of the Stewardess Board, Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society and was active with the church’s participation in Relay for Life.

In 2019, Ester was recognized as Woman of the Year by Kesler Chapel in recognition of her commitment, faithfulness and selfless devotion to her church.

She enjoyed her ministry of assisting the elderly with daily activities and helping young women to get a fresh start at life.

She leaves to cherish memories of her life and legacy, six children, Marcella Ford, Ivy Crank (Antonio), Sharon Wall (Lester), Lee Crowder (Willie White), Alice Crowder and James Crowder; a brother, Nebraska Simon (Diane) who she raised as her son; her sisters and brother, Diana Crowder, Virginia May Greene and Kenneth Simon (Judy); 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a special sister-in-law, Nezzie Somon; her companion, Wilson Fields and a host of nieces nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Henry Thoms Simon; her sisters and brothers, Lee, Collie, T Willie, Snap, Paul, Bill, Charles, Margie, Barbara and Lois; and her son-in-law, Van Ford.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, July 14, 2023 at Kesler Chapel AME Zion Church. Interment will follow in West Deep Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

The public viewing will be from 5:00PM until 7:00PM Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Leavitt Funeral Home.

The family is gathering at her home on Lincoln St. in Wadesboro.