Queen Esther Reid's Obituary
Evangelist Queen Esther Reid Her Life, Faith, and FamilyQueen Esther Reid was born in Drew, Mississippi to the late Elder Charlie Frye, Sr. and Minnie Beatrice Frye on October 22, 1928. She was providentially given the name “Queen Esther” by her father, and wore it with defined elegance. Remembering her Creator during her youth, she often testified and expressed her gratitude for a dedicated life surrendered to the Master, obedience to her parents and belief in a holy and sanctified manner of living. She was godly proud to possess membership in the Church of God in Christ and its foundational teachings. She often expressed, “Christ laid the foundation and opened up the way for us to be saved”. During her teenage years, quite unusual for that era in history, Queen Esther worked as a sales clerk in a clothing store in Merigold, Mississippi. Her education began at Mound Bayou Consolidated School. She later journeyed to Toledo, Ohio and then, in 1953 to New York City, New York. She was educated at York College and was selected to join the New York Police Department. During the selection process for police officer training, she boldly proclaimed her faith as a saved and sanctified woman and the officials responded, “we can use her”. As a police officer, she supervised patrol squads and managed elements of public policy for the department. While living in New York, she was an active member of Gateway Second Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Samuel Lee Osborne until his passing and later under Elder Leroy Burns. Rising to the rank of lieutenant with fourteen years of exemplary service, she retired and moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1989 to join her father who was the pastor of St. Mark Church of God in Christ, following the demise of her mother. An active member at St. Mark Church of God in Christ in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Queen Esther was an usher and a member of the hospitality committee for the Church of God in Christ, Northern Mississippi Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop T. T. Scott. Later, she became a member of Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ under the pastorage of Dr. L. T. Frye, Sr. where she established a Special Task Force Auxiliary and served on the mother’s board. A graduate of C. H. Mason College, Queen Esther earned her degree under the mentorship of Dr. L. T. Frye, Sr. and became a licensed Evangelist-Missionary. In keeping with the letter of her licensing, Evangelist Reid held gospel meetings, expounded the scriptures and pressed toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and was ever grateful for the prayers of the saints. Evangelist Reid joined New Highway Church of God in Christ in 2008 under the leadership of Elder Mose Carroll, Jr. An extremely faithful member in good standing, her works included being the advisor to the mother’s board, director of Special Task Force, assistant Sunday School teacher, and Bible Band vice president. She was awarded U. E. Miller District member of the year for her outstanding attendance in 2010. She exhibited perfect attendance for an entire year; she only missed one local service because of an out of town engagement. However, she attended church while out of town. With a heart for the youth, Evangelist Reid enjoyed sharing words of wisdom, planning and participating in church programs. An avid reader, she was resourceful and often shared a wealth of motherly advice with her church family. Evangelist Reid never wavered in sharing the gospel as she told others of her faith and invited them to her church even when she was hospitalized and during doctor visits. She met, admired and married her husband, the late Ivan Reid, Sr. in New York City in 1956 and was a loving and devoted wife. Evangelist Queen Esther Reid graciously transitioned from this life on Friday, June 24, 2016. She leaves to cherish many precious memories: forever loved, the son of this union, Ivan Reid, Jr. (Raponza W.); her sister: Jewell Frye-Crawford; four brothers: Charlie Frye, Jr., Elder Elmer Frye (Mae Etta), Joseph Frye(Pearl) and Superintendent Ruben Frye(Lucille); seven grandchildren: Ivan Jr., Jarrett, Isaiah, Tashion, Ferrari, Marvin, and Chynna. Three great grandchildren: Tashion, Jr., Isaiah J.T. and Enzo C. Alexander. She is also remembered, loved and highly respected by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her husband, one sister: Connie Mae Fortner; three brothers: Ernest Frye, Elder Doyle Frye, and Dr. Elder L. T. Frye, Sr. preceded her in death. When asked about her legacy she quoted: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar, Memphis, TN 38119. “Celebrating Life…..Behind the Stone Wall”. .
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