Lila Eva “Grandmother” Estes, 97 years old of Eldridge AL died peacefully in the home where she was born surrounded by her children and other family members on Wednesday afternoon, January 6th, 2021 when she entered into her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Eldridge Baptist Church, funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Kelley Cemetery. David Pickard and Kevin Pugh will officiate.
She was the loving mother of ten children who she raised alone after her husband suddenly passed away when she was 42 years of age. Lila was the last surviving sibling, out living her brothers and sisters by many years. She was born May 7th, 1923 the sixth of nine children to her parents John and Lettie Kendrick whose descendants are too many to count.
Lila was a devoted church member at Eldridge Baptist Church where she was until her death the oldest member. Although homebound most of this year she was faithful each week to take part in both Sunday School and worship services by watching on the church’s facebook page.
Lila is survived by eight of her children, Jim Estes, Annette Nelson (Jerry), Danny Estes (Deb), Cheryl Cooner (Wayne), Debbie Farris (Kurby), Donna Hinds (John T.), Sammy Estes (Sharon) and Maurice Ingle. A son in law, Kenneth Shubert and daughter in law, Judie Estes, A special niece that called her mother, Ann Kerr and a dear special friend Patsy Tucker. Twenty two grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 16 great great grandchildren. The passing of this cherished lady is grieved also by many that loved her dearly a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and by some very special caring people who provided loving support to her; Kindred Care Home Health, Kindred Hospice Care and special nurses, Ashton and Tabitha.
Lila was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Lee Estes, parents, John and Lettie Kendrick, her mother and father in law, Sam D. and Maury Estes, daughter Joan Shubert, son Frank Estes, great grandson Jacob Johnston, eight brothers and sisters, Ruby Tucker, Opal Berryman, Nancy Kaylor and Odas, James, Louie John, Davis (Buck) and Herchel Kendrick.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
The family requests that masks be worn at the services. Services will be live streamed on the Eldridge Baptist Church Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Eldridge Baptist Church.
