Era H. Estay

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand; The angel said my place was ready,  In Heaven far above, and that I’d have to leave behind  all those I dearly love.  But when I walked through Heaven’s Gates. I felt so much at home, for God looked down, smiled at me, and told me “Welcome Home.”  So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Era H. Estay, our loving mother and friend to all whose lives she touched on August 20, 2019.  She left us while sleeping peacefully at her home in Gulfport, Mississippi.  She was 91 years old.  Born in Robeline, Louisiana, December 30, 1927 to Richard Wesley and Lola Lodell Haynes.  Era graduated from Shady Grove High School, Maringouin, Louisiana.  Soon after graduation, Era married Webster Charles Estay on March 18,1946 of Grosse Tete, Louisiana.  Era was employed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation of Baton Rouge, Louisiana for 29+years.  She retired in 1982.  She was the beloved mother of Jeannette Wilkinson (James), Susan Ruff (Douglas) and Shirley Lee (Stewart) and proud grandmother of Bret McManus, Jacob Stevens, William Ruff, Paul Ruff, Renee Fliter, Paige Phillips, Amanda Cook, Rebekah Coulon, Emily Lee, and Anthony Lee.  She had 23 great grandchildren.  Also, a daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Estay whom she loved.  Era is survived by two sisters, Hannah Howe and Joy Tate and one brother Richard C. (Barbara) Haynes.  Predeceased by her devoted husband, Webster Charles Estay of 43 years and two other marriages, Dean Davidson and James Flavell, her parents Richard W. and Lola Lodell Haynes, three sisters, Dorothy Jean Anderson, Gertie M. Pace and Billie Sue Nellums, her son Webster Charles Estay, Jr. and two grandsons Bart E. McManus and Harrison Kyle Estay. Era loved to sew and work with her hands. Most of all she loved her family and instilled strong values in her children and taught them about the love of Jesus.  She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. A celebration of Era’s life will be held at Grace Memorial Cemetery, 60455 Bayou Jacob Road, Plaquemine, Louisiana.  Bro. Jesse Garrison officiating.  August 31, 2019 at 10:30 am.  Trinity Funeral Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Era and ask that you keep her dear family in your prayers.