Esther Marie Malicote

  Esther Marie Malicote, 98, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024, in Berea. She was born November 11, 1925, in Jackson County to Audie Isaacs and Caroline Pennington Chrisman. Marie was a member of Berea Baptist Church and her local Homemakers Club. She was an excellent cook and a hard worker and took pride in taking care of her garden and her home. She held several jobs throughout her life including working at the Berea College Food Services and Candy Kitchen and Churchill Weavers. She also ran a small grocery store in Big Hill and later retired from a clerical position at Gibson Greeting Cards.

  A life well lived, Marie held all the love and devotion within her heart for her family. Her caring, kind nature was felt by all of those around her and her smile and sweet spirit touched so many. She was the definition of selflessness, placing those that she loved well above herself. She had a playfulness and love of music and could oftentimes be seen dancing and singing. Marie faced several trials and tribulations throughout life but was never tarnished by bitterness. Her focus on happiness and the blessings that life had to give was a testament to her gentle, loving nature. She will be greatly missed by those that loved her, but her legacy will remain in the strong family bond that she leaves behind.

  Marie was proceeded in death by her husband Leonard, son Larry Dale, brothers Ellis and Orene, and her mother and father. Survivors include daughter Barbara (Douglas) Shirley, son Phillip (Michelle) Malicote, three grandchildren Carri (Steve) VanZant-Lowery, Sara Malicote, and Matthew (Kelsey) Malicote, as well as four great-grandchildren Audrey, Andrew, Anna Grace and Myla.

  A graveside service was held at Berea Cemetery on August 24th. The family would also like to send their most heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility for their loving care of Marie over the past several years.

Services were handled by Lakes Funeral Home.