Essie Mae Curry

On Friday, January 8, 2021, Essie Mae Curry died peacefully at National Healthcare “NHC” of Clinton. She was 86 years old. Essie was born August 24, 1934 in Pomaria, South Carolina to Will “Roland” Cromer, Essie and Thomas Goree who preceded her in death.

A lifelong South Carolina native, Essie was educated in the public schools of Newberry County. Essie was a member of Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pomaria, South Carolina, where she served as Class Leader. She was a long-standing member of the Ladies’ Aid #10, and a participant of the Eastern Star Fairview Chapter.

At the tender age of sixteen, Essie met and married her best friend and life partner, Willie, who souls are now united together in the presence of God. Wedded for sixty-four years their love and devotion to each other outlived the test of time.

Essie was the mother of two children and a surrogate mother to many. She always provided support and love for her family. She and her husband Willie worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their children. She would proudly boast about the joy and happiness her children and grandchildren gave her.

Our precious mother, Essie, devoted her life to her husband and children, nurturing and caring for them in their home. When Essie’s children were young, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” did not exist. It was uncommon for women to stay home with the children while their husbands worked. But even by the standards of the era, Essie was an exceptional wife and mother. She regularly prepared “hot” meals for her family. It was of great importance to her that at 12:00 noon every day that lunch was cooked, plated, and served for her husband. The love and care that Essie had for her family was vast. She always ensured that her family was healthy and safe.

After her two children were grown and left the nest, Essie took a job outside of the home. Although, it was a short stint, she enjoyed being out in the community, doing what she loved - meeting people and making new friends. Essie was well-loved in her small town, Pomaria. She cared deeply for her neighbors. Essie was always the first to offer a helping hand to others.

Also preceding her in death was her soulmate, her husband, Willie; four brothers: Lawrence Goree, Tommy Lee Goree, Albert Cromer, Olbert Cromer, and a sister, Nettie Emerson.

Honoring and cherishing her memory are her children, Willie Jr. of Brooklyn,  New   York, Terry King  of  Columbia,  South  Carolina; five granddaughters: Tracy King McDowell (Timothy), Trina King Gary and Regina Elmira King all of Columbia, South Carolina; Marilyn Wicker (Freddie) and Tara Miles (Darren) of Lexington South Carolina, grandson, Cornelius Curry of Harlem, New York; and seven great-grandchildren and five  great-great grandchildren; brother- in-law, Charles V. Curry of Newberry, South Carolina, sisters-in-law, Sara Curry of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Mattie Cromer of Newberry, South Carolina; several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. 

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