Esther Mae Bynum

Esther Mae Bynum (née Williams) passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025 at the Finley Homes Senior Facility in Gilbert, Arizona. A beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, great aunt, great grandmother, friend, Esther was a tremendous gift from God not only to her family but also to her church community and all touched by her spirit.

Born on November 11, 1947 in Lamar, Mississippi, Momma (as she was known to her children and grandchildren) graduated from Danville High School before marrying Frank J. Bynum from Chicago, Illinois. Joining her husband in Chicago, IL, she explored the big city, building community in her new family and finding employment with the United States government, working at the United States Postal Service. During her marriage to Frank, Momma gave birth to her first daughter La Tonya. Though their marriage ultimately did not last, Frank and Momma remained friends. Two years later, Momma welcomed her second daughter, Shevita. As a single mother of two young daughters, Momma navigated and hurdled obstacles, but she was determined to ensure her “girls,” as she affectionately called them, had the opportunities she had not. Committed to her daughters’ education, Momma enrolled them into a private Catholic School and became an active volunteer at the school, building a strong presence in the community before the family returned to Momma’s hometown, Danville, in 1985.

The return to Danville afforded Momma an opportunity to re-engage with her immediate family, as she supported and cared for countless relatives and family members. Her unique spirit established her as a paragon matriarch, artfully curating and creating a comfortable home for many loved ones. Balancing her commitment to Jesus and her love for family, Momma relinquished serving herself to following the spirit of Christ, which enabled her to offer comfort, solace, and stability to so many. 

At one point in 2001, Momma’s home was adorned with four generations: her mother, her sister, her two children, four grandchildren and a great niece. All were living and loving in a four bedroom house. The grace and care for preparing meals offered a tiny light that sparked the glowing love and soaring connections among her immediate family. 

With time, Momma’s sister and mother passed away, and yet, Momma’s nest evolved as her children and grandchildren benefited and grew from the roots she established on Victory Street. A quiet, caring mother, Momma was one who saw no obstacle that wasn’t conquerable. She inspired her children and infused a love that everyone carries and spreads in their families and communities. Momma led with her heart and actions. A true peace-keeper, Momma taught and modeled empathy and perspective-taking for her children, while simultaneously providing a soft space to land and receive a hug when facing the world’s harshness. Her embrace for family is infallible, and she will be greatly missed, cherished and never forgotten.

In the moments she cherished most, Momma found joy in cooking, baking, serving her church community, reading her Bible, and spending time with family.  She is survived by her eldest daughter, La Tonya; her youngest daughter, Shevita; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many loving cousins. 

 “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”-Proverbs 31:25-

A celebration of life will commence at 12:00 Noon Saturday February 22, 2025 At Battle Focus Ministries 501 Cunningham Ave Danville Illinois. Eulogist: Pastor Franklin Bourn.

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