Esther Purdie West Shiver

Esther West Shiver, 76, of Miami, FL, gained her wings October 20, 2023 and soared into the heavens to take her rest.

Born in Lake County, FL on March 17, 1947, to Josephine Davis and David Branch, she was a delightful child who grew up in church, and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. Esther graduated from Northwestern High School in Miami, FL, and received her degrees in Nursing from Miami Dade College and Barry University. As she grew up, she became the caring sister and auntie we all love and adore. She worked as a flight stewardess in New York where she met and married the late Larry Purdie. The union yielded a son. Later, Lady Esther relocated to Florida where she became a Registered Nurse. There she met and married the late Bishop Oscar West, Jr. This union yielded two children. Esther always ensured her children had home cooked meals, and a well-rounded education, exposing them to the arts and other cultures.

Esther was an exceptional nurse at several hospitals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. She later took her skills on the road as a travel nurse to beautiful destinations. She tended to her patients as though they were family. Her coworkers loved her so much they were like an extended family of sisters and brothers. Queen Esther's heart was so big she cared for the world over. She shared her nursing skills with the community through health fairs, seminars, and personally helping the elderly manage their blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions. Her community service knew no bounds.

Esther later found new marital bliss with Ralph Shiver, Jr. on September 26, 2020. They enjoyed traveling and cruising together. Esther was a faithful member of Hosanna Baptist Church, in Lake Park, GA. She would call you if you missed church. She played an active role in the Golden Girls Choir, Mother of the church, a board member of the Sheepgate, and her cakes were absolutely delicious. If you were lucky enough to be her friend, it was like winning the lotto. Esther was the creme de le creme.

She was an extremely loving and benevolent person. Her philanthropic efforts extended to many charitable organizations. She also was thoughtful of everyone she knew and provided gifts for special occasions such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, and Easter, leaving no stone unturned.

Esther will be forever remembered by her husband and best friend Ralph Shiver of three years, her four children, Michelle Little, Rashay Purdie, Tashona West, and Joserr West. She will be lovingly remembered by her six step daughters, Veda West, Terreceda West, Felicia West, Farren Shiver-Beaufort, Markia Shiver-Peeler, and Kimberly Shiver-Covington. Her 18 grandchildren Gerard Flowers, Quiante West, Lawrence McClarin, Rodniqua Jackson, Quietta Walker, Kristina Thompson, Azariah Moss, Shekinah Moss, Rachel Pealger, Ameer Harris, Joshua Purdie, Rottery Mingo Jr., Rashay Purdie Jr., Kourtney Purdie, DeMiyah Grogan, Zion Stephens, Jhenesis Covington and Ronald Covington Jr. will fondly keep her in remembrance. All of those she loved and touched from immediate to extended family, and being the phenomenal woman she was, there are a host of friends and associates.

The Celebration of Life for the late Mrs. Esther P. West Shiver will be Saturday, October 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Hosanna Baptist Church, 7505 Zeigler Road SE, Lake Park, GA 31636.

Pastor Felicia F. Williams will be officiating.

Interment will follow in the Odd Fellow Cemetery, Lake Park, GA.

Public viewing will be Friday, October 27, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Godfrey Funeral Home, 636 River Street, Valdosta, GA.

All those who wish to pay their respect in person must wear mask at the public viewing and at the funeral service.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net.

Professional services provided by Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC.

Due to COVID-19, Godfrey Funeral Home will be enforcing social distancing and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.