Esther McDaniel

Esther McDaniel was born on January 23, 1925, in Maxton, North Carolina, to the late Tom and Susanna Clegg. She was one of two daughters, preceded in birth by her older sister, Mildred. At birth, she was named Tom Esther in honor of her father, a name she later shortened to Esther after graduating from high school.

After completing her education, Esther worked diligently, picking cotton to save enough money to attend beautician school in Durham, North Carolina. Upon finishing her training, she returned to Maxton and worked faithfully as a beautician.

In 1946, Esther married the love of her life, Belton McDaniel. In 1952, they moved to New York City, where they built a loving home and raised their family. To this union were born four children: Verita, Belton Jr., Philip(deceased), and Darryl(deceased).

Esther was a devoted and faithful mother who made sure her children were raised in the church. As she often said, they were all “drug children”—drug to Sunday School, drug to church, and drug to Bible study—instilling in them a strong foundation of faith.

Her kitchen was a ministry all by itself! Every holiday, she made sure love showed up in the form of sweet potato pies, pound cakes, carrot cakes—and that famous German chocolate cake. You didn’t just eat her food—you felt it.

Because what she was really serving wasn’t just dessert—it was love, tradition, and care.

While in New York, Esther and Belton became dedicated members of The First Congregational Church of Morrisania in the Bronx, where they served faithfully.

In 2008, they relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they lived with their daughter Verita and her husband. There, they joined Rockwell AME Zion Church under the leadership of Reverend Jordan Boyd.

Esther’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, perseverance, love, and sacrifice. She was truly a virtuous mother, and her legacy will live on in the lives of her children, family, and all who knew and loved her.

Esther was preceded in death buy her beloved husband Belton, her two sons Philip and Darryl.

See leaves to cherish her memory her Daughter Verita, Son Belton Jr.(Lynda), Grandson Rashid (Monique), granddaughters Camra, and Jayla, two great- grandsons Noah and Ezekiel. Daughter- In- law Lavalla McDaniel, and host of nieces, nephews and friends.

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed…” – Proverbs 31:28

We thank God for blessing us with such a virtuous mother.