With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Esther Fitts, 102, of Columbia, SC, a retired educator, who passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Life Reflections

Esther Neil Pearson Fitts, 102, peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord, December 20th, at her daughter's home in Columbia, South Carolina, where she resided for many years, encompassed by the love and care of her family. Born to the late Bishop Wilson Pearson,Sr. and Lillie McNeil Pearson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and auntie Esther Neil will always be remembered for her unyielding love and devotion to her family and her passion for education and her strive for excellence in every situation.

Born, January 6, 1922, in Laurinburg, North Carolina as the next to the youngest of nine siblings who all preceded her in death, Essie Pitts, Roberta McNeil, Marie Pearson, Aquilla Mooring, Lilli Pearson, Pricilla Pearson, Gerthia Pearson, Wilson Pearson, Jr., and Arneatha Deramus. Her niece and nephews Revela, LeRoy, and Wayne Pearson also grew up in the home and held a special place in her heart. Esther, the daughter of a Holiness Bishop, grew up with the strong foundation of Godly love as a way of life.  Throughout her life she exemplified the true meaning of loving the Lord and always depended on him for his grace, favor and mercy.  One of her favorite things to shout was "Thank you Lord!  You are so good!". This always put a smile on her face and everyone around her.

A graduate of Winston-Salem State University and proud educator, Esther, served the Kingstree, South Carolina, community for 50 years as an early childhood teacher and school librarian.  During those years, you could always find her in the center of various community projects like vacation bible school, summer lunch programs, many local events involving children and adult education programs.  Not only did she strive to make sure her own children and grandchildren were well-rounded, upright and educated individuals, her passion extended well into the surrounding neighborhoods and towns. She was a founding member of the Kingstree Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, served as a board member of the local NAACP, the Foster Advisory Board of Manning, SC and remained active within the Church. Esther served on the Gospel Choir, as a Deaconess, on the Missionary Society, as a Sunday School Teacher and in other church programs until her health no longer allowed her to do so.

Esther married the love of her life, James (Jim) Frank Fitts, affectionately known to her as "Fitts".  Their love story lasted for 50 years, as "Fitts" preceded her, transitioning in August of 2002.

Esther is survived by her children, Derek Fitts (Kingstree, SC), Cheryl Fitts (Columbia, SC), Arthene Cohen (Allendale, SC), grandchildren Eric Fitts, Brittany McCray (Shawn), Ereka Fitts, Carmen Cole (Nick), Christina Brown, Jua Mkuu, Althea Cohen-Carter(Tom), Tyra Cohen, James Cohen, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.