Esther Wade

Esther S. Wade, 76, of Rockville, Maryland died May 3, 2009. She was born on March 17, 1933 in Richmond, Virginia to George Leslie and Geneva Childress. She grew up in the Richmond area and maintained family ties to Richmond all of her life. Esther was one of thirteen children with six brothers, Arnold, Colman, Garland, Garyson, Raymond and Wallace, and six sisters, Dorothy, Frances, Glenis, Jane, Roberta and Rose. Esther graduated high school where she enjoyed basketball and track.

Esther was married to E. Thomas Smith from June, 1956 until his untimely death in October, 1965. In June of 1969 Esther married John E. Wade until his recent death in March, 2009. Esther and John made their home in Rockville, Maryland where she worked as a childcare provider.

Esther is survived by her son Thomas Smith, Jr., daughter-in-law Dana and grandchildren Ellie and Sam Smith; step daughter Dale Alewine and grandchildren Sean Alewine and wife Christine and great grandchildren Quill and Tegan Alewine; brothers Arnold Childress, Garland Childress and Grayson Childress; sisters Frances Denson, Jane Melton, Roberta Smith and Rose McLendon. Additionally Esther is survived by her extended family Bill and Maureen Alewine and numerous family and friends.

Family will receive friends Friday, May 8, 2009 at Goodwill Baptist Church, 8701 Hungary Spring Road, Richmond, VA 23238 from 11:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Westhampton Memorial Park and Mausoleum, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23238