Essie Mae Young

Essie Mae Young, 93, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Haven Hospice Roberts' Care Center. She was a native of Surrency, Ga., was born on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 1921. Mother Young was united in holy matrimony to Rev. Noah Young and they honored their vows for more than 65 years. He preceded her in eternal rest on July 23, 2003.

She was a devoted member who served the Lord faithfully at St. Johns Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church and Third Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church combining more than 50 years of commitment as a humble child of God. Essie Mae was a loving and caring servant and was truly a "First Lady" who was a spiritual blessing to everyone.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in eternal rest by brothers, Charlie Vaughns, Clifford Vaughns, Jimmie Lee Vaughns, and Sing Vaughns; sisters Hattie Howard, Mattie Hall, Ida B. McMorris and Queeneva Roberts.

Those who cherish the precious memories devoted sister, Deaconess Minnie Lee McCall, Palatka; nieces, Wilma Wesley, Palatka, Marie (Eugene) Heath, Jacksonville, Missionary Darletha (Elder Jimmie L. Sr.) Lewis, Hastings, Sweetie Mae Brown, Brunswick, Ga., Cordelia Foster, Baxley, Ga.; nephews, Leroy Young, Jesup, Ga., Perry Young Jr., and William McMorris, Baxley, Ga.; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.

Visitation: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing celebration: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, Fla., Rev. Karl N. Flagg, pastor. Rev. LeRoy Kaymore, pastor of Third Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church and Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, is the eulogist. Interment will follow in Armstrong Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the Young family at www.flaggserenitychapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, 2400 Madison Street, Palatka, Fla.