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Essie Mae Burton Harvey was called to return unto the Lord on Dec. 3, 2019, at the age of 90.

At a very early age, Sister Harvey united with Lear Hill Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop J. W. White. Later she joined the right hand of fellowship with Magee’s Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent Monroe Magee, where she served diligently and faithfully as an usher, YWCC committee member, Junior Church Mother, later appointed Church Mother under the leadership of Administrative Assistant Cecealine Tate.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Ella Louise “Honey” Burton; father, Esters Burton; husband, Ephfon Harvey; grandson, Elijah Leanos; mother, Ruby Burton; brother, John Esters Burton; and grandson Malcolm Paul Harvey.

Essie Mae leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her loving memories: her 12 children, Ephfon Harvey Jr. (Vera) of Franklinton, Veronica Ward of Tacoma, Wash., Stevon Harvey of Tacoma, Charles Edward Harvey (Rose) of Fresno, Calif., Jeffery Harvey (Gloria) of Franklinton, Johnny Esters Harvey (Joanna) of Mesa, Ariz., Matthew Harvey (Bernice) of Kent, Wash., Shelia Bernadette Harvey of Fresno, Willie Ray Harvey (Cecilia) of Fresno, Alicia Tyniece Harvey of Fresno, Jennifer Marie Simmons of Atlanta, Ga., and Tiffany Harvey of Fresno; 29 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, four brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation was held on Friday, Dec. 13, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton.

The funeral service will be Saturday, Dec. 14, at noon at Magee’s Temple Church of God in Christ with Administrative Assistant Cecealine Tate, pastor, officiating.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Franklinton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.