Esther Mae Lynch 1940-2021

On Thursday, January 14, 2021, Esther Mae Lynch, 80, peacefully entered her heavenly home. Healed, whole and free, she is now dancing in eternity with Sam, her love of sixty years.

Esther was born on May 26,1940 in Enfield, North Carolina. Together, she and Sam built their life in Newport News. Their home was a loving sanctuary for their children and grandchildren. It also became a refuge for the many nieces, nephews, family members, friends, and any child who needed it.

In addition to many jobs at an early age, Esther provided in-home care for her own parents and the elderly, while supporting her family. After forty years of service, she retired from Newport News Public Schools where she made an eternal impact in the lives of many children in her care, as their faithful school bus driver. Her gentle spirit and loving smile was the first and last ray of light they encountered each day.

Second to Christ, Esther's greatest love was her husband, children, grandchildren, and serving her family. She never retired from her calling of wife, devoted mother, and "Mimi". Her compassion for others was immeasurable and babies particularly, held a special place in her heart. Esther was the true embodiment of Proverbs 31, crowned with beauty, grace, courage, humility and servanthood. To be in her presence was truly a gift.

Esther was a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe in Warrenton, North Carolina. She was a member of West Hampton Baptist Church, Hampton for forty-two years, where she attended when able with Sam. She also worshipped with her daughter's family at Bethel Temple, Hampton and recently enjoyed virtual services at Emmaus Church-Hampton Roads, Hampton. She was a former member of Mount Bethel Baptist Church, Warrenton, North Carolina.

Esther was welcomed into eternity by her loving husband, Samuel C. Lynch, Sr., her parents, Arthur and Rutha Mae Richardson, one sister, Vealie Hinton, and two brothers, Earlie Richardson, and Arthur Richardson, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children; Konzolice M. Richardson of Upper Marlboro, MD; Samuel C. Lynch, Jr. (Bethany) of Bradenton, FL; her devoted daughter and caregiver, Vonda Kay Lynch Bryant (the late Craig S. Bryant) of Newport News, VA; daughter-in-law, Deborah Richardson of Perth, Western Australia; grandchildren, Kaze M. Richardson and Kree M. Richardson, Jack T. Bryant, Marc S. Bryant, Lilly C. Lynch, and Samuel C. Lynch, III. Esther is also survived by one brother, Garland Richardson; four sisters, Alma Burgess, Velma Lynch, Eunice Hedgepeth, Eugertha Reid, many nieces and nephews who she cherished as her own, and a host of family and friends. Esther also leaves her caregivers and Mennowood Retirement Community, Newport News, who she grew to love and who quickly became her family.

The Lynch Family is grateful to their family, neighbors, friends, and all of the in-home caregivers, nurses, aides and staff at Mennowood and Walter Reed Convalescent Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester, who helped navigate Esther's sixteen-year journey with Dementia. They also extend their heart-felt gratitude to Dr. Shawke A. Souiedan, MD - Riverside Neurology & Sleep Specialists, Williamsburg, W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home and Peninsula Memorial Park, for going above and beyond serving their beloved mother with the utmost care and attention only a queen deserves.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. followed by A Celebration of Life for Esther at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, at West Hampton Baptist Church/Emmaus Church - Hampton Roads, 631 Aberdeen Road, Hampton. Masks will be required and social distancing measures will be in place. An interment with family and close friends will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park Columbarium, Newport News. Due to restrictions and space, visitors will be permitted a limited number at a time. A link will be available on the day of her service for those who would like to attend by live stream.

Memorials may be made in Esther's memory to the following non-profit organizations: The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, The American Brain Foundation and Mennowood Retirement Community, Newport News.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.