WILLIAMSBURG — Esther Wilson Milby, 93, born Oct. 26, 1926, in King and Queen County, passed away Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. She lived in West Point for 50 years before she and Odell moved to Williamsburg in 2013 to be closer to family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Odell Thomas Milby; parents, Richmond and Lillian Maude Rilee Wilson; and four siblings, Lura Drudge, George Wilson, Lillian Milby and Herman Wilson.
Esther is survived by her daughter, Betty M. Case, and son-in-law, Dean E. Case, of Williamsburg; as well as two grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; special niece, Dorothy (Ranny) Ashburn of Williamsburg; special nephew, Joe (Gail) Drudge of Bogart, Georgia; and special great-nephew, Ranny (Terry) Ashburn III of Virginia Beach.
Esther was a lifelong member of New Hope United Methodist Church, King and Queen. In her younger years, she loved to garden, cook, bake and keep an impeccable house. In her later years, she enjoyed reading and chatting on the phone with friends and family. She preferred older T.V. shows rather than modern T.V., so cable T.V. was a wonderful invention for her. Esther never drove a car, but she loved to travel to pick apples in the mountains each fall, see flower shows, Christmas decorations and tour Colonial Williamsburg.
Due to the pandemic, the family will hold a private graveside service at a later date.
Special thanks to Heartland Hospice of Newport News, who provided wonderful support care for “Miss Esther” after her cancer diagnosis.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
