Esther Rosalee Yorkman (Age 85) of Clinton, Maryland

Esther R. Yorkman, affectionately known in later years as "Queen Esther," was born in Lovettsville Virginia to Lula Mae Hogan and Roger Silas McKinley Ferrell. She was one of 12 siblings. Because times were often hard for the family, they moved from place to place wherever work was available. Esther was educated in the Fauquier and Loudoun County school systems. She had to leave school early to assist her mother with her brothers and sisters. She was a role model and kept them in line by teaching them some of the basic lessons in life, like right from wrong. Not only did Esther help with the family, she took on a variety of jobs which were available to young women in the 1950's and 1960's.  It was during this time that Esther refined her skills, becoming a capable seamstress, consummate homemaker and devoted mother.

Esther was a part of a close-knit family. Her cousin Elizabeth introduced her to a friend of a friend, a young marine named Clifton Yorkman (Pete), who was stationed close to her home on Quantico Marine Base. Esther was considered, by her mother, to be a handful. Consequently, the young marine was no match for the quiet force that captured his affection. After a brief courtship, Esther and Pete married on Quantico Marine Base in 1957.  In 1960, they had their first and only son whom they called "Chip."  While Pete executed his daily military duties, Esther was a stay-at-home mom throughout Chip's early school years.  The late 1960's and early 1970's was a period of transition for both Pete and Esther. Pete was in the twilight of his military career, and Esther was beginning a successful career with the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).  She retired from AAFES in September of 1995 to assist with the care of her grandson Philip. She delighted in being able to take care of him and watch him grow. A few years later when her granddaughter Candace arrived, she continued to provide the love that only a Granny is capable of.

Esther and Pete joined Grace United Methodist Church and were committed members. Esther always ensured that all the children under her care were taken care of and brought up with the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.  At Grace, she served in various ministries—United Methodist Women, the financial count team, communion steward, and she sang with the Chancel Choir. The entire family also participated in Sunday School. It was not uncommon for her to pull out her "Daily Bread" devotional and share it with others. Pete and Esther reaffirmed their love for one another on August 24, 2013, when they renewed their vows.

Esther's calm demeanor, genuine compassion for others, combined with her strong work ethic and integrity, equipped her with all the tools needed for her to succeed at work. These personal attributes made her a person who was easy to love and to work with. Her commitment and love for the family was demonstrated once again as her immediate family was enhanced with the welcomed addition of her nephews, Marion and Keith.  Pete and Esther provided the same love and affection to them the same way they did to Chip. Esther, even in her later years as she endured a long illness, could be heard singing "There will be peace in the valley." She always ensured that her family's needs were provided for by always putting herself last. We could not have asked for a better mother, sister, aunt, cousin, granny, or friend. Thank you, Lord!

On the morning of June 4, 2021, after a long night in the hospital, Esther was called home to be with the Lord.  The family is comforted knowing that she is now resting in peace. We are also very grateful for the sempiternal friendship of the Cherry, Gabriel, Johnson, Mackins and Smith families.  She is preceded in death by her husband Clifton E. Yorkman; mother Lula Ferrell; Father Roger Ferrell; sisters, Helen Caesar (Johnnie), Mary Oliver (William), Emily Ferrell, Elsie McIver, Bessie Ferrell, and Mae Smith (Thomas); brothers Henry Ferrell (Portia), Roger Ferrell (Bertha), and Charles Ferrell (Lois). Those left to cherish her memory are her son Clifton Yorkman, grandson Philip Yorkman, granddaughter Candace Yorkman, sisters Barbara Ferrell and Lucy Archer (Alfred); nephews Marion Solomon and Keith Solomon (Julie); as well as a host of other family members and friends.

Her Viewing will be 10:00 am, until time of Service, 11:00 am, Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church, 11700 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744.  Interment, Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.