Essie Mae Napier

Mrs. Essie Mae Napier, age 85, of 707 Gail Street, Americus, died on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center. A native of Dooly County, Mrs. Napier was born June 5, 1925, a daughter of the late Charles and Myrtle Christmas. Her husband, James C. Napier, also preceded her in death. Mrs. Napier retired from Manhattan Shirt Company. Not being one to sit still for long, she went back to work with the Sumter County School System, and then later with the American Red Cross. She also worked as a pink lady with Sumter Regional Hospital Auxiliary for a number of years. She was an active member of Central Baptist Church until her health prevented her from attending. She was a member of the Americus chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at Central Baptist Church with the Rev. Hugh DeLoach and the Rev. Bryan Myers officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Hancock Funeral Home from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12. At other times, friends may call at the residence of Amy and Richard Ibach, 200-G Cartwright Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, 190 Upper River Road, Americus, GA 31709, or to the charity of one’s choice. Survivors include 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Diann and Bobby Duke, Jr. of Cobb and Pam and Steve Birdsong of Byron; 2 sisters, Loise Massey of Tifton and Lois Phillips of Hamilton, Ohio; 3 grandchildren, Amy Ibach and husband Richard, Shannon Roland, and Whitney Ryan; 3 great grandchildren, Cameron Ibach, Jenna Ibach, and Kaylee Roland. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. Mrs. Napier is also survived by her “adopted family,” Wray and Elaine Skipper and their daughters Valerie and Kelsey. Hancock Funeral Home, Americus, GA