Esther Evelyn Shrader Wilhite

October 10, 1927 - May 12, 2017

Mrs. Esther Evelyn Shrader Wilhite, age 89, retired school teacher, passed away Friday, May 12, 2017 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.

Born in Stevenson, Alabama, to the late George G. Shrader and Bessie L. Williams Shrader on October 10, 1927, Esther attended elementary schools in Alabama and Tennessee.  She was the Valedictorian of her high school class in Lenoir City, Tennessee.  After receiving her Bachelor degree in Health/Physical Education and in Science from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute in Cookeville, Tennessee, Esther taught high school in the Jackson, TN, and Memphis City Schools systems.  In 1950, she married Robert C. Wilhite, Sr., and moved to Columbia, TN.  She finished her teaching career at McDowell Elementary School in Columbia, TN.

Esther was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Columbia, teaching in the children’s department and serving on many of the church’s committees.  She also enjoyed membership in the Jaycettes, Elks, American Legion, and the Retired Teachers Association.  Scouting was a passion for Esther, as demonstrated by her leadership of the girl scout troops she led for her daughters.  She served as a volunteer at Maury Regional Hospital for 22 years.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Dr. Robert Wilhite, Sr., as well as her three children, Beata (Jerry) Cunningham of Brentwood; Robert “Robin” (Lee Ann) Wilhite, Jr.; Tria (Terry Moreland) Wilhite.  She is blessed with eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  Esther is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Spurlock of Lexington, KY, and brother, Jere Shrader of Lenoir City, TN.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, J.R. Shrader and Larry Shrader.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20th, at 3:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, Columbia, TN, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the beginning of the service.  Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family welcomes memorials to be made to First United Methodist Church, Columbia, TN.