Esterlynn Whitfield (Lansing)

Ms. Esterlynn Delores Whitfield ended her battle with cancer by ascending into the loving arms of Jesus in the early morning hours on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Age 62 years. The daughter of Joe Whitfield and Violia Jones, she was born in Mount Vernon, New York.

Esterlynn spent her early years in Mount Vernon, New York. She attended Macedonia Baptist Church, as a girl she loved oranges, she loved playing the flute, After the passing of her sister Carolynn Diane Jones in 1970 and the passing of her mother Violia Jones in 1971, Esterlynn moved to Chicago with her Father Joe Whitfield. In struggling times in the 60’s and 70’s until she left, Esterlynn was there for her nieces and nephews. While in Chicago working as a budding model, she met the father of her children and 9-year partner Paul Pyron ll. Esterlynn relocated in 1987 with her daughters to Saginaw Michigan, where a special bond between the 3 was formed. Esterlynn & her girls ended up in Kalamazoo Michigan for many years where she attended Friendship Baptist Church and received her associate degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She loved playing Scrabble with her daughter, Tanisha and having cook offs with her daughter, Tamela.

Ms. Estherlynn Delores Whitfield was the embodiment of what it means to be beautiful inside and out. Her resilience, intelligence, heart and commitment to those she loved, made her a truly special woman to be blessed to know.

A devoted mother Esterlynn leaves behind 2 daughters, Tanisha Pyron and Tamela Pyron, her “Golden Girls”; 2 grandsons, Jemmell Pyron and Daryl Xavier Thomas; brother, Theodore Richardson, twin nieces, Lisa and Lisette; three nephews, Terrence, Ronnell, Antonio Baten Jones.

Esterlynn had wisdom, gentleness, strength, grace that made her a special kind of beautiful. Those of us who loved her know how deeply she will truly be missed. We celebrate the life and journey of Esterlynn Whitfield is to celebrate a life well spent and a job well done.