The Life and Legacy of Essie Mae

Our beloved Queen, Essie Mae Lestrick-Frank, 90, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on November 7th, 2025 in Newport News, Virginia. Essie Mae was born on October 12,1935, in Thibodaux, Louisiana to the late Nelson and Vera Lestrick. From an early age, Essie Mae showed a gentle nature and a generous heart. She was the tenth child of thirteen children, who grew up on the Celie Sugar Cane Plantation in Louisiana.  She quickly embraced the role of nurturer and protector, always guided by faith and love.  Back in those days, going to work in the sugar cane field was more of a priority than going to school. Essie Mae joined her older siblings in the sugar cane field, however, that did not last long as she was fired for improperly cutting sugar canes. Essie Mae gladly left the sugar cane field and went to school. She was the first of her siblings to graduate high school, which was a rarity.

Essie Mae met and married the love of her life, Peter Frank, and together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. They remained married for 34 years until his passing. Their union produced seven children, four girls and three boys, who were loved dearly. Essie Mae was a hard worker as a nursing aide, housekeeper, foster parent, and a missionary. She was a prayer warrior, a gospel singer and an awesome cook with endless energy. She did not know a stranger. No matter your background, she would say, "God loves everyone!" She was a cheerful giver with a helping hand and a spirit of kindness that blessed, encouraged and uplifted so many lives in her community and beyond.

Not only did Essie Mae lover her blood related family, she also loved her church family. At the age of 14, Essie Mae received the Holy Spirit and was baptized at the Saint Peter Baptist Church, in Thibodaux, LA where she sang in the choir. In December 1999, Essie Mae said, "God showed me a vision with new shoes on my feet and told me to travel to another state." It was then that she relocated to Newport News, Virginia where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law Joyce and Keith Robinson, who graciously devoted their time and energy to caring for Essie Mae for more than 25 years. Essie Mae joined Mount Olive Church of God in Christ in Chesapeake, VA and later joined New Beginnings Outreach Center (NBOC), Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Newport News, VA and loved both churches dearly. Essie Mae was determined to celebrate her 90th Birthday with family and friends. She was able to do so on October 18th, 2025 at NBOC, COGIC. She was so filled with joy and knew she had completed her Godly purpose on Earth. Almost three weeks later, Essie Mae Lestrick-Frank went on to glory peacefully with her daughter, Joyce, at her side.

Essie Mae was preceded in death by her 12 siblings: Ernest Lestrick, Ethel Lestrick. Arthur Lestrick, Mabel Williams, Edward Lestrick, Rozella Gray, Welton Lestrick, Claude Lestrick, Evelyn Johnson, Una Miles, John Lestrick and Irma Lestrick. Essie Mae is survived by her seven children: Gregory Frank (Yvonne), of Lake Charles, LA; Ronald Frank (Cherry) of Garyville, LA; Hilda Riley (Charles) of LaPlace, LA; Yvette Cloyd (Gerald) of Nashville, TN; Peter Frank (Alesha) of Clinton, MS; 25 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews and friends.

A visitation honoring Essie Mae's life will take place on Saturday,  November 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at W.J. Smith and Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Rd. Newport News, Virginia, and a funeral service will immediately follow at the same location starting at 12:00 p.m.

Interment will take place in Louisiana at a later date.