"As long as we LIVE, they too will LIVE; for they are now a part of us; AS... WE... REMEMBER...THEM!"
Obituary
Essie Beatrice Nickerson was born March 22, 1928, in Caddo Parish, Greenwood, LA—the tenth of eleven children born to Silas and Gracie Green. A neighbor suggested naming her "Hopelast," hoping she'd be Gracie's last child at age 42. Prophetically, Essie became the last surviving sibling of her generation.
The family—nine girls (Hettie, Nellie, Sara, Ethel, twins Mary & Martha, Lola, Essie, Roberta, and Emily) and two boys (Silas & David)—thrived on a 30-acre farm near the Texas state line. They raised livestock and crops, sharing their harvest with those in need. The family attended Union Chapel Baptist Church, where Deacon Silas Green often hosted visiting preachers and strangers at his table.
Gracie's niece, Roberta Spears, asked if "Midget" could stay with her awhile. That "while" lasted two years until Silas told his sons to "go get Midget and bring her home." Though terribly spoiled by then, Essie maintained a devoted bond with Roberta until her death in 1989, visiting Waskom, TX with her husband and children at least every six weeks.
Essie grew up amid extreme racism and violence. Despite their home being burned—likely due to jealousy over their prosperity—her parents' resilience taught the family to trust in God. Essie attended Waskom public schools through 11th grade, then completed 12th grade in Shreveport, LA, because there was no 12th grade for African Americans. Essie commuted home on weekends so her parents could keep her "in check." She graduated from Central Colored High School in 1946.
At Wiley College, she met and married her life partner, Alonzo D. Nickerson. They lived in Marshall and Malakoff, TX before settling in Dallas. She kept a close relationship with cousin Dorothy Mae Long and her nephew Joe Young. Essie and Alonzo had three children: Alonzo Jr., Beatrice Lavern, and Velda Grace. Family life centered on worship, celebrations, and nationwide travel. When Alonzo accepted his call to ministry in 1957, Essie became First Lady while working as a seamstress and substitute teacher. She served faithfully at Mt. Arie Baptist Church in Kaufman, TX for over a decade. On September 2, 1963, tragedy struck when Alonzo Jr. and Lavern drowned at Grapevine Lake. This devastating loss grounded Essie's faith and prepared her for life's future challenges.
On April 16, 1970, her husband founded Illinois Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas. As the first member, Essie served as musician, teacher, mother's board member, and speaker. Her greatest joy became spoiling her grandchildren, Donald Barnett, II and Vae Barnett, without limitation.
After 43 years of marriage, Alonzo passed on August 16, 1991. The entire Nickerson family embraced her as always, surrounding her with love and support as the first in-law in the family.
Essie’s health met many twist and turns, but none steered her away from church and family fellowships. God allowed her to experience a final fellowship 2 weeks ago with beloved members of IABC, where she served for 55 years, unaware it would be her last.
Essie exceeded the lineage of parents and siblings and leaves behind a legacy of grace to cherish her memory.
Proceeded in Death: Husband, Two Children and a Great Grand Daughter
Daughter: Velda Barnett, Donald Barnett Sr. (Son-In-Law)
Grand Children: Donald & Christina Barnett, II, Vae Barnett, Marciano Franklin
Great Grand Children: Jamar Franklin, Marciana Franklin, Amari Wyatt, Trinitee Richmond, Kendall Barnett, Tylei & Tylan Richmond, Khloe Barnett, Yahira Paul, Kinsley Barnett, Ava Barnett.
Affectionately known as Mother Nickerson - Sister Nickerson - Grand mamma - Granny - Grammy - Queen Mother - Aunt Midget - Cousin Essie B, to innumerable nieces, nephews, and loved ones; Her light will continue to shine in hearts forever.
Early Family Life
Family Life - Essie often shared with family on growing up in the Green household; Expressing what day to day task might include.
In her monologues, she shared the following "Every sibling large and small had chores which included: milking cows, feeding cows & hogs, cleaning cow pins, drawing water from the well for animals and human consumption, plowing the garden, chopping and picking cotton, planting and gathering crops, washing clothes on the rub board, and ironing.
MY FAIR PARK STORY
My first State Fair experience was October 1948, with my husband. We rode the city bus to the fair on a Monday. In those days, the only day African Americans could attend attend was on the last day when the fair was closing.
We attempted to ride the ferris wheel, and in loading we were the last seat. When the wheel was full, we where told to get off, so we missed that chance to ride. We enjoyed seeing other exhibits which were still available including the Automobile, and Women's building, and of course the livestock. The vendors made sure to remain there for those last few dollars so we had plenty food and cotton Candy.
The other highlight was this photo that I now show my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! Just imagine wearing these heels at the State Fair and then standing on the crowded bus all the way home!
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Aunt Essie will be greatly missed. I thank God for the days/time he allowed us all to experience Life with her. To do so was Truly A Blessing.
I’ve always admired Aunt Essie from the hats she wore (the Gifts God Blessed her with) she didn’t keep her Gifts to herself she shared with others.
Aunt Essie always walked upright with confidence. I saw how she Loved God and how she exemplified to me, A Woman After Gods on Heart.
Even today she may not be here physically yet she is Spiritually. She’s Ministering to me now as I’m Experiencing this current Journey.in my Life, I receive in my heart, Aunt Essie made it so can I. (For A lack of words)
I look back over her Life after her Childern Vern & Jr passed. She persevered, she continued to move with Grace and Love in her heart. She was strong, unmovable always standing on Gods Word. as she Lived it “out loud” Amen
Aunt Essie always reminded me of what we would compare as THE FIRST LADY. The way she carried herself. The way she dressed. She spoke with Authority, Intelligence and Lived with Integrity. Aunt Essie SPREADED LOVE.
Thank you Aunt Essie. Well done. Thank you Velda, Well done. You Served your Mother Well. I know God is well Pleased with you.cousin.
I’m going to miss seeing you both ALWAYS TOGETHER. May God Strengthe, Restore and give you his Peace that surpasses ALL understanding. I Love you Cousin and your Family.
May you all cherish the Memories you all made together. (I did write A lot of Memories with Aunt Essie, somehow they erased) 🙏🏿
Physically Aunt Essie is not here with us yet she is spiritually and she will Never be forgotten. Aunt Essie will forever be in the Memories of my heart. . God Bless you all. 🦋💕🙏🏿
Aunt Midget closed her eyes to this world and also ended her generation. We are all left with lots of fond memories. Let’s continue our legacy. Keep in touch by, phone call, text, FaceTime, facebook, car, train, or plane.
Message from Verna Griffin-love you always Aunt Midget-RIH & Lord please comfort the family with serenity
Heavenly Father,
We lift up Velda and her family during this time of loss. Lord, wrap Your loving arms around them and give them strength, peace, and comfort that only You can provide. Remind them that their beloved mother and grandmother is now resting safely in Your eternal care, reunited with her loved ones who went before her. Let Your presence fill their hearts with calm, and may her memory be a light that continues to shine through the love she left behind.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
With love and deepest sympathy,
The Miller Family
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While we mourn the loss of our dear, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
8100 Fireside Dr. Dallas, TX 75217
1715 Presidio Ave. Dallas, TX 75216
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