Ester D. Locke

Ester Dell Locke, age 99, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026.

She was born in Colonial Heights, Virginia, and was the beloved wife of the late George W. Locke Sr.
Ester was a dedicated and hardworking woman who gave many years of service to her community. She worked at F. Means Company for more than 30 years and later devoted more than 20 years of service to Kent State University. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and recognition for her dedication and commitment to her work.
Her faith was an important part of her life. Ester was an active and devoted member of St. John CME Church for 50 years, where she was loved and respected by her church family. She received numerous awards and honors for her faithful service to the church.

Ester enjoyed traveling and gardening, two of the many things that brought her joy throughout her life. She also had a special love for James Bond movies, which reflected her fun-loving personality and unique interests. Known for her generous and giving spirit, Ester was always willing to share with others. She treated everyone like family and made people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her kindness, warmth, and caring heart touched the lives of countless people.

Ester leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, hard work, generosity, and service. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, church family, former coworkers, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hardy Wilkins and Ester Wilkins; husband, George Locke, Sr., and sister, Martha Newsome; brother, Hardy Wilkins Jr.; nephews, James “Boo-Boo” McCray and Douglas Newsome.

Ester leaves to cherish her loving children, Joyce Blair and George ” G- Mane” Locke; grandchildren, Damon Locke, Sukeena Halcomb (Derrick Halcomb Jr), and great grandson, Derrick Halcomb III; nephews, Ernest ” Skipper” McCray, Jr. (Cordella) and Lawrence “Mannie” McCray (Delores); her niece, Andredoria “Cookie” Newsome and a host of other relatives and friends.

May her memory forever remain a blessing to those who loved her.