Esther Leane Urdy

Esther Leane Urdy was born to the union of Oscar Hardison, Sr., and Willie B. Hardison on September 18, 1936, in Eagle Lake, Texas.  Esther was the third of eleven children.  The family lived in various cities such as Bastrop, Rockdale, Burnet and settled in Austin, Texas.

Esther and Willie L. Urdy met in 1952 in Sneider, TX. They married on September 18, 1959 in Austin, TX. Esther had one daughter, Chester Lee Clark. Esther professed her love for Christ in 1984, at Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church in 1984 under Pastor J.M. Miles.  She was a faithful member of the Usher Board, and Minister’s Wives Board. She loved baking for the various church organizations and events. She later joined Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church with her husband, Elder Willie L. Urdy.  She served as a dedicated member of the Mother & Minister Wive’s Board.  She loved her Gospel music and hymns.

Esther held various jobs in her lifetime as a housekeeper, cook, and babysitter. She worked for a few years as a housekeeper for a lady in South Austin.  She then went to work as a cook at Johnston High School right up the street from her home; she retired from AISD Food Services after 19 years of service.  She loved cooking for her family and others. Esther loved her music, her plants & flowers, shopping, and most of all children.  She loved babies and children so much that even after retiring, she continued to babysit and help raise generations of children. She was known to everyone as “Big Mama”.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Chester Lee Clark; her stepdaughter, Lendell Urdy Reese; her brothers:  Jimmy Lee Hardison, Willie Derry Hardison, William Hardison, Gladys Hardison, Jack Hardison, Oscar Hardison, Jr.

She leaves to celebrate her life:  her husband, Willie L. Urdy; her grandchildren: Floyd P. Clark, Robert C. Clark, Phyllis D. Clark, and Jesse L. Clark, Makeisha & Curtis King, and Aisha Reese; her great-grandchildren: Shequila P. Clark, Deborah K. Naylor, Desirae Naylor, and Johnny Ray Naylor; her great-great-grandchildren: Jayson N. Djine, Joey D. Djine, Johnathan N. Djine, Jaeden Clark, Jacob Clark, Jaida Clark, Jaylen, Negarvin, King, Derrick, Meriyah, Mekai, and Desmon Martin; sisters: Cory L. Jackson, Gloria Johnson, Julia Allen, and Jill H. Thomas; Godson and family: Gary McCray, Stephanie McCray, Jiarey McCray, Jecarey McCray, Endicott McCray, and Stefne and Raleigh Henderson.

Esther's laughter, her radiant smile, and her compassionate heart has left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Esther L. Urdy, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandma, and "Big Mama" will forever rest in heaven and in our hearts.

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