Esther Eggleston

Esther E. Eggleston (nee Harriet) was born on June 25, 1937 to the late Mabel Carter Harriet and William (Coota) Harriet. Born in Elizabeth, NJ Esther lived a short while in Newark before moving to Linden. Eventually, Esther would move to Cranford where she was educated in the Cranford School system from elementary through high school. On December 18, 1954, Esther married the late Edwin E. Eggleston from Plainfield, NJ and from that union they wereblessed with five beautiful children. Shirlene, Edwin Jr., Charles, Tyrone and Nicole. Esther would go on to call Cranford home for more than 80 years. She enjoyed her home and especially her wonderful neighbors. Esther was predeceased by her husband Ebbie, her daughter, Sheree and sons Ebbie Jr. and Chuckie. Esther was predeceased by her siblings; Vermel Lee, Clara Boyd and Earl (Bubba) Loney. Esther was an exceptional mother, outstanding grandmother, a loving great-grandmother, exuberant great-great grandmotherand a first-class mother-in-law. She loved each of her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and beyond. Esther loved her family, all her family - young and old, near and far. She was a wonderful spirit to be around. Focused on the positive she had little time for drowning herself in misery and wouldn’t allow others to wallow for long. Supportive in any way, you could call her anytime for a ride anywhere, a new perspective or just for a shoulder to cry on. If you need someone crazier than you, someone to lift your spirits and make you laugh, she was your girl. If you cried, there was no better person to cry with. Esther worked for many years at Regina, Inc. in Rahway, NJ. Driven by her interests, she later attended Floral Design Schooland opened Esther’s Petal Boutique in Rahway, NJ. There she expressed her creativity in the beautiful floral arrangements and bouquets she loved to surround herself with. She was known for her “green thumb” as displayed in her house of many plants. Looking for a change she became a Van Driver at Bridgeway, in Elizabeth, NJ for Adults with Special Needs. Later, Esther successfully acquired her NJ CDL Class B driver’s license and became employed by Dapper Bus, in Iselin, NJ as a School Bus Driver. Esther enjoyed her many careers. The one most suited to her true nature and possibly the most fulfilling was during her time at the aptly named Excellent Care Nurses Registry inJackson, NJ as a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA). She enjoyed her time as a Certified Home Health Aide, so much that it was on her never-ending list of things to do, in the Summer of 2025. When the physical challenges began to take a toll, she took a much-needed break from working. Never one to let the grass grow beneath her feet, she quickly found employment working for The County of Union-Department of Aging, in Elizabeth, NJ as a Food Server/Hostess. Esther has been a member of 1St Baptist Church in Linden, NJ for over 70+ years. During her time at 1st Baptist she was member of various clubs that meant a great deal to herincluding; the Missionary Ministry, the Ushers Board and the no longer active, Flower Club. Esther was also active in various clubs, groups and organizations throughout Roselle andCranford. Esther truly had a constant desire to help and serve other people, evident in her many groups, clubs and organizations she dedicated her time to. Esther enjoyed being on the move. She went everywhere she could, did everything she could, helped all she could, and loved all she could. Esther enjoyed traveling, eating out, history and simply relaxing on her deck with a cup of coffee, with phone in hand. She enjoyed decorating her house for every holiday, routinely. Estherenjoyed living. She enjoyed everyone she met. She was appreciative of all those who took time to visit and share some time with her, especially during this brief illness. Not knowing her true worth, she was amazed that so many people cared to do such beautiful things for her. Always quick to laugh, smile and make a new friend. Her spirit, her zest for life and her easy nature will be missed by all who know her. May her spirit always soar high and fly free!  Esther is survived by her remaining children, Ty and Nikki Eggleston. Four Grandchildren; Wm. Scott, Julius & Marc Mitchell and Nicolas Downey. Two Sons in Law; Tim Downey and Willie Mitchell. Six Great-Grandchildren; Tatiana, Jasmine & Mya Mitchell, Jared Bramble and Nathan Q. & Coralee Downey. Blessed with her 1st Great-Great Grandchild, Ma’liyahRivera Bramble. Also left to mourn a host of Cousins, too numerous to name. with whom she enjoyed friendship and a familial relationship, she enjoyed and loved all.