Esther Rivers Mallonee, 97, of Candler, NC, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2018 at Pisgah Manor surrounded by her family. Esther, born September 8, 1920 to Charles and Annie Rivers, was from Lake Butler, Florida. She was one of eight children and she was especially close to her sister, Luella, who died in 2002.
Esther attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida as well as the Compton Business College in Jacksonville, Florida. It was in Jacksonville that she met Commander Thomas Lane “Tom” Mallonee who was in the Navy and they wed in 1945. Tom and Esther were married for 52 years before Tom died in 1997.
When Tom left the Navy, he and Esther returned to his home in Candler, NC. Esther was very involved in the community serving in numerous roles in the PTA, the Democratic Women, various Garden Clubs, and Montmorenci United Methodist Church. She was recognized in 1978 as the Buncombe County “Woman of the Week” for her dedication to her community and church.
Esther continued with her love for volunteering throughout her life and even at 96 was serving and helping others through the Free Community Market at her church. It would not be unusual to see her wrapping gifts at the Mall at Christmas, delivering meals to those in need, and adding her lovely voice to one choir or another in celebration of some special event. She was an accomplished seamstress, gardener, and a loving friend to all generations of people.
Most of all, Esther was known for her inspiring faith, her giving nature and her all-encompassing love for people of all ages and walks of life. Esther is survived by two children, Thomas Lane Mallonee, Jr (Angie) of Candler, and Charles William “Chuck” Mallonee (Teresa) of Franklin, NC. She was a dedicated grandmother to grandsons, Chris Mallonee (Michele) and Mark Mallonee of Candler, and Chase Mallonee of Cullowhee, NC and granddaughter, Jessica Mallonee of Asheville, NC.
She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Ryan and Pressley Mallonee, countless nieces, nephews and cousins, and a host of loving friends. Special thanks to the staff at Pisgah Manor and Four Seasons Hospice for her care during her stay there. She was well loved and grateful for the affection and care she received.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mallonee will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, at Montmorenci United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Karen Kurtz officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Food Ministries at Montmorenci United Methodist Church, PO Box 610, Candler, NC 28734 or to a charity of your choice. Groce Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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