Essie Phillips Hunter

Essie Florence Phillips Hunter, 94, of Mt. Holly, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Sunday, May 22, 2016.  Essie was born and raised in Andrews, NC on March 11, 1922 to the late John P. Garren and Bessie Ensley Garren.  She was preceded in death by her husbands, Quentin Phillips and Len Hunter; Daughter, Sybil P. Wilson; Infant son, Coy Q. Phillips; Sister, Daisy Lineberger; Brother, Arnold Garren.

Essie was a member of Valley River Baptist Church in Andrews, NC until moving to Charlotte, NC.  After relocating to Charlotte, she then became a member of Northside Baptist Church for 40 years.  She later became a member at Harvest Church in Charlotte.  With over 25 years of service, Essie retired from Southern Bell as a group chief operator in 1979.

Grandma Essie lived an abundant fruitful life based on God's Holy Word.  As a child of the great depression, Essie lived a humble and modest life, never leaning on the ways of this world.  Her foundation was solid as a rock and her limbs as mighty as an oak.  Life's storms were no match for her footing and the fierce winds were but a whisper among the mighty oak.  Grandma Essie left a legacy to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and all the generations to come.  Her legacy was built on the Fruits of the Spirit ~ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.  Her greatest gift will forever be embossed on the hearts of her family and future generations.  "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."  Proverbs 22:6

Survivors include Brother, Harold Garren (Doris) of Flat Rock, NC; Sister in law, Dot Garren of Fl.; Grandchildren, Frank Hatcher (Bobbie) of Mt. Holly, NC, Angie Cook (Mack) of Belmont, NC, Gina Matherlee (Craig) of Williamsburg, Va., Jodi Harte (Danny) of Mt. Holly, NC; 9 Great Grandchildren; 7 Great Great Grandchildren.

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Benson Funeral Services in Mt. Holly with Reverends Frank Hatcher and Hart Hutchison officiating.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 6-7 PM.  Graveside service will be at 1:00 PM Friday, May 27, 2016 at Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery in Andrews, NC.

The family would like to extend a special Thank you to Essie’s caregiver for the last 5 years, Mary Miller.