Queen Esther James

      Queen Esther James, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Healthwin Specialized Care, leaving behind a legacy of joy and devotion that will forever be cherished by those who knew her. Born on September 25, 1936, in Hickman, Kentucky, Queen Esther was a daughter to the late Jim and Zora (Anderson) Love Sr., and grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. She graduated from Love Joy High school.
     Throughout her life, Queen Esther was a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering support to her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two children, Shirley Jones and Dorothy Jones, two special daughters Velma Royster and Jean LeVine. One grandchild, DeAndre Jacks, Three Great Grandchildren, De’Mier Jacks, Tiesha Robinson, Abrielle Washington and her siblings, Irilla Mitchell, Lois Jones, Lola Mae Gray, Mildred Sutherland, Occie B. Love and James love Jr and her beloved husband, Henry James. Her memory will be treasured by her surviving daughters, Delois Easton, Rosie (Shawn) Edwards, Beverly (Tommy) Betts Sr., and Cynthia Jacks; her sons, Aaron (Martha) Jones, Jr. and Jeff (Lucinda) Jones; her 22 Grandchildren, 61 Great grandchildren and 18 Great-great-grandchildren; Her special daughters; Suzie Gray, Gwen Mitchell, Tomorrow Pittman, Denise Taylor, Dorothy Gandy, Joanne Carter, Gina Wakes and Carolyn Powell; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

     Queen Esther's life was marked by her beautiful, golden smile, deep Christian faith and her commitment to her community. She was a dedicated church member, served as the church secretary for 10 years at New Testament M.B Church., She was an original member of the Gospelaires Gospel group of the Quartet Union Local 30-2 and lifted her voice in praise as part of the choir at New Jerusalem/Greater New Jerusalem M. B Church. She also served as a mother on the mother’s board at Greater New Jerusalem M.B. Church, and a present member of Second Baptist Church in South Bend, under the leadership of Pastor Andre Wells. Her dedication to service was evident in her 24 years as an employee at the University of Notre Dame for Fr. Hesburgh, C.S.C., where she was not only an employee but a beloved figure until her retirement.
     Her warmth and generosity knew no bounds, and she was adored by all, including the staff and students at Notre Dame, Morning View Assisted Living, Briarcliff, and Healthwin Nursing Home, who all catered to the Queen with great affection. Even in her final days, when words were no longer possible, her smile remained, lighting up the room and providing comfort to those around her.
    Queen Esther's interests were cooking, sewing, shopping, sports, taking care of her family and serving the Lord. She was a loving and faith-filled woman, well groomed at all times, whose presence was a gift to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Second Baptist Church, 24828 Fillmore Rd, South Bend, IN 46619. Friends and family are invited to gather one hour prior to the service. 
     Palmer Funeral Home -West Chapel, located at 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628, is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences for the family may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Queen Esther James, a Great Woman of God, will be remembered as a woman whose life was a testament to the power of love and faith, and her spirit will continue to inspire those she has left behind.  

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