Esther Taylor Love, age 79, passed away after a brief illness in the hospital on January 23, 2024, less than one month shy of her 80th birthday.
Born February 19, 1944, in York County, Virginia, she was one of four children to Ben and Evelyn Taylor. Esther was the beloved wife of the late Oliver Love, Sr. They raised their two sons, Torre and Daryl in Williamsburg, Virginia, and later relocated the family to Newport News, Virginia.
Esther was a dedicated civil service employee for over 20 years at Fort Eustis elevating to the level of Chief of Military Pay, ensuring enlisted military personnel received their compensation.  Upon retirement in April 1993, she dedicated her time to what she loved the most: family, especially caring for her grandchildren.
She was generous, clever, strong-willed, independent and talented. She loved her crafts and enjoyed sharing her creations with family and friends.  Esther enjoyed visiting casinos when she could but would also spend time playing the lottery and scratchers in hopes of a jackpot payout to take care of her family!
Esther is survived by her loving family; sons, Oliver Love Jr. (Rhonda) of Smithfield Virginia, Daryl Love Sr., of Suffolk, Virginia; 5 grandchildren, Oliver Love III, "Jordan", Courtney Whitt (Jason), Zachery H.P. Love, Daryl Love Jr. "Trent", Aubrie W. V. Hickman; and 7 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Taylor (Beverly) of Camp Springs, Maryland. Esther leaves to treasure her precious memories her sister, Ellamaurde Carmicheal, of Williamsburg, Virginia, and brother Alvin Taylor (Shirley) of Hampton, Virginia.
Mrs. Love may be viewed Thursday, February 1 , 2024,from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home located at 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, Virginia. A funeral service celebrating the life she lived will follow at 2:00 PM  with Dr. Robert A. Whitehead, Sr. officiating.  Entombment will be private in Peninsula Memorial Park, limited to family and close friends of Esther.
For those who wish to continue fellowship with the Love family, we will receive guests at 325 Saint Andrews, Smithfield, Virginia from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers, please consider one of Esther's favorite charities, March of Dimes.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, Newport News, Virginia.