Jada L. Ester

Obituary

“OUR SISTER, AUNT, FRIEND-THE INDEPENDENT WOMAN”

Ms. Jada Lynette Ester. was born the third of four children to the union of Willie and Beatrice (Young) Ester (who both preceded her in death) in Detroit, Michigan. The product of loving parents who were both children of the agricultural south migrating to Detroit from Mississippi and Georgia. Jada was raised in Detroit, Michigan and attended Detroit Public Schools. Throughout her early childhood she and her siblings were taught how to Love God, value education, work hard, enjoy life and love your family she benefitted from a stern but wise father and a loving and caring mother. She credits them for instilling in her life principles and the pride that comes from self-independence. At an early age Jada confessed Christ and was baptized at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.

Having a strong independent spirit Jada saw life from a different prism. The name Jada in Hebrew means wise, and Jada was wise beyond measure from a very early age. Jada’s personality was infectious, her laugh and sense of humor was unforgettable and her love for friends and family was eternal. Jada was raised in the church with her siblings, her mother was a Sunday School Teacher and Jada was the apple of her mother and father’s eye, their only daughter. Being the third child Jada had to struggle with her two older brothers who made sure she was tough. Then six years later Jada had to relinquish her standing as the baby of the family to her younger brother Todd. At New Prospect Jada was very active in girl scouts, the youth choir, drama club and youth mission. Jada loved music and excelled in piano under the tutelage of Brother Joe Jenkins. She advanced to the teacher level and would play for the youth choir and direct the choir.

Jada grew up in Detroit on Prairie Street between Chippewa and Pembroke. People who grew up on this block of Prairie in Detroit circa 1960 through 1980 knew you were not neighbors, but you were family. You did not have to go far from your front porch to have an adventure or mischief. On Prairie Street it was common knowledge that everyone’s momma and daddy could chastise you as if you were their own. Jada enjoyed close friendships with her Prairie Street sisters and brothers. Jada was even a cheer-leader for the O’Shea little league football team in which her dad was a coach and her older brothers played on the team. Jada’s childhood was filled with joyful memories and an abundance of love. Jada’s parents inspired their children to study and do well in school. They would often say, “feed your mind so you do not have to work as hard as your mommy and daddy.” Ironically, it was Jada’s parents work ethic that had the most profound impact on Jada’s life.

Jada attended Cass Technical High School where she excelled and graduated with honors from the business administration curriculum. Jada attended the University of Michigan in Dearborn majoring in accounting and finance. Throughout her University years Jada worked (remember that strong work ethic?). Her first job was with Manufacturers Bank (Co-op with Cass) and the New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church Business office under the leadership of Rev. S.L. Whitney. The nurturing and early work experiences set the stage for what would become Jada’s lifetime employer Comerica Bank where she worked for over thirty-five years, she just celebrated the thirty-five year, mile-stone last year! Jada worked herself through the rank and file at Comerica beginning in Downtown Detroit Central Office and then moving to the Novi Central Office. Jada was promoted to Loan Closing Officer in June of 2019. Jada was highly respected and loved by her Comerica Bank colleagues and friends.

Jada, was beloved by so, so, so many people outside of her family for her beautiful spirit, joy of life, wise counsel and kindness, reserved for only those she trusted. She made brothers and sisters wherever she found herself and was masterful of working with anyone beyond difference. Jada enjoyed playing softball and bowling in the early years. She was very competitive and would relish in telling the stories of how she and her teams dominated, bringing home trophies and winning prizes year after year. Jada loved to dance and could hustle like nobody’s business and has been known to be the life of the party. Jada enjoyed her book club/slumber party sisters and her Taco Tuesday crew (family) from the neighborhood. Jada loved to knit and crotchet and has made boundless sweaters, stockings, blankets and socks for countless friends and family. Jada could throw down in the kitchen (when she wanted to) making the best Mac n Cheese this side of heaven. She loved to travel with friends and family all over the world. Some of her favorite places were Scotland, Ireland, London, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Florida, Las Vegas and Cruises. Not to mention anywhere else in the United States where she could bowl, soak up the sunshine, sit by the pool with a cool drink and appreciate all the joys that life and God has provided.

It goes without saying that Jada will be truly missed by all of us who had the honor to know and love her. Jada’s nieces, nephews and God Children will have a wonderful legacy to emulate and live up to. Auntie Jada’s (Gigi’s) love, joy, hopes and dreams for them are eternal and theirs to embrace and realize. Jada’s untimely passing came at the end of a day with her legs crossed, on the couch in her condominium that she owned (Independent Woman). As she fell asleep watching television, God called her home. The shock and disbelief that her family, friends, work colleagues and church community feels is deep and bewildering. However, we are gaining strength in knowing that she is at rest and peace in the loving arms of Jesus, this is her family’s greatest solace.

Jada Lynette Ester leaves to rejoice in her memory and anticipates a heavenly reunion with: Three Brothers and Sisters (in-Love) Dennis Keith (Darlene) Ester, Craig Darrell (Shelly) Ester, Sr., Todd Vincent (Charlotte) Ester; Seven nieces and nephews, Sherri Boyd, Maraa, Craig Jr., Taylor, James, Esaias and Eman Ester; Several God Children including Esaias and Eman. and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, the Comerica Bank family and the New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church family, we will all miss her dearly.