Esther Young Piatt

Esther Florene Piatt, 99, was freed from her frail, pain-stricken earthly body on Palm Sunday, April 5, while in the loving care of family, and is now in perfect health and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” (Frances J. Crosby, Composer, 1868). As a daughter, the eldest of 12 siblings, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, as well as a dedicated Christian, Esther was a caregiver and nurturer to countless people spanning several generations over decades of time. She truly lived “the great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-40). Esther was humble, content, and grateful. Her home was her paradise on earth. She loved her home, never tired of it, and took care of it until she could do so no longer. Her house was kept clean and tidy. She enjoyed her kitchen, creating from-scratch meals and delicious desserts for her family and friends. Sunday dinners after church were a tradition: good old-fashioned southern cooked meals such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cheese biscuits, corn pudding, and other vegetables, and fresh-baked cakes, pies, and desserts, all served to the delight of her kids and grandkids. Esther relished the outdoors. Her yard (a playground for her young ones) was immaculate, with a well-kept lawn and many trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers—LOTS of flowers! She loved them. Esther was a good steward as a household manager. Having lived through The Great Depression, she was frugal, always clipping the Sunday coupons from the newspaper and perusing the sales inserts. While she loved being at home, Esther enjoyed occasional travel. She visited her husband’s family in Missouri, her son’s family in Florida, and her daughter’s family in Puerto Rico, and took other trips with special family members. As a faithful and active church member, Esther taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, served with mission work, and hosted weekly prayer meetings with the Women’s Auxiliary. These women reached out to those in need and provided meals and other necessities. Boxes of supplies were packaged and sent overseas, and there was always a prayer request line. Later in life, Esther had to adjust to receiving care from others. It wasn’t easy for this independent-minded, strong woman who had spent her entire life as a caregiver to many; however, it was necessary. Yet even toward the end of her life, Esther continued to share in the care of her beloved daughter, JoAnn Piatt Ferolino, who suffered from Alzheimer’s/vascular dementia and passed away last year. Esther also was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Curtis Piatt; parents, James and Thelma Young; siblings, Frank Young, Gloria Young, Juanita Bryant, Ralph Young, Arnold Young, and Jim Young. She is survived by her son, Dennis Piatt; grandchildren, Denise Piatt, Jackie Newsome, Gina Ferolino-Beasley (Jerry), and Mark Ferolino (Yuko); great-grandchildren, Matthew Piatt (Amanda), Brandon Newsome (Nicole), Adam Newsome, Phillip Bailey, III (Ashton), Cody Beasley, Tyler Beasley (Jessi), and Kalani Ferolino; great-great grandchildren, Brandon Newsome Jr., Chase Newsome, Nick Newsome, Triston Beasley, and Rosa Jo Bailey; siblings, Wilma Hylton, Bill Young, Morris Young, Ken Young, and Dorothy Andrews; special nephew, David Hylton (Carol); and many other cherished family members and friends. Esther always has made herself available to loved ones. She read her Bible and prayed daily for goings-on in the world and for friends and family, naming each and every person individually. She was our matriarch, our wise one, always just a phone call away. Even from her death bed, Esther continued to display her strong will and determination to hold on to life and to be with us as long as possible and was brave and courageous until she took her last breath. Now, temporarily left without her, we will have to rely on the many memories of things she taught us, her words of spiritual guidance, and the comfort and security of knowing how much she loved us. Until we meet again … The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, aides, and other professionals of Comfort Care Home Health & Hospice for their service, guidance, and compassion during this difficult time. To adhere to CDC guidelines for social distancing there will be no formal visitation. The family will not be receiving friends, those choosing may visit Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 from 10 to 4 p.m. She will be laid to rest in a private service at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens with Pastor Terry Reel officiating. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.