Estorges’ matriach’s sudden
death is mourned
Inasmuch as Marjorie Augustine Lamperey Estorge has been the
good woman behind a very good man for over 72 years, the sad intelligence of her tragic
automobile accident and sudden death sent shockwaves throughout the city, but touched the
Acres Home community where she left a legacy of love and ideal motherhood so profoundly
until many were inclined to ask God that proverbial “Why?” While Christians
truly believe in their hearts that God never makes a mistake, in their heads however, they
all too often have cause to pause and ponder why bad things happen to good people.
In the book: “When Bad Things Happen To Good People,” written by Rabbi Harold S.
Kusher, after he lost his only child in 1963, Kusher offers somewhat of an answer to that
nebulous question that the most holy or holiest are tempted to ask in a time of extreme
saddeness and grief. To wit: “Is there an answer to the question of why bad things
happen to good people? That depends on what we mean by “answer.” If we mean
‘Is there an explanation which will make sense to all?’—Why is there cancer
in the world? Why did my father get cancer? Why did the plane crash? Why did my child die?
—Then there is probably no satisfying answer. In the final analysis, the question
translate itself into some very different questions, no longer asking why something
happened, but asking how we will respond.”
For sure, those who will cherish the precious memories left by the saintly Mrs. Estorge
will respond by thanking God for allowing her to pass this way. On Nov. 3, 1908, God
placed a blessed child in the care of Josephine Green and Gustavo Lamperez in New Iberia,
Louisiana and the world immediately became just a little bit better. That fact was
acknowledged by Johnnie Mae Roy, Agnes Dunbar, Father Alphonsus Bakyil, S.L.O.T., who was
co-celebrant with Father Clifton Labbe, S.V.D. at the Funeral Mass that was held at St.
Monica Catholic Church, 8421 W. Montgomery Rd., on Oct. 28. Sam IV, Keith, Stephan,
Michael, Kenneth and John-Paul Roy, were not only pallbearers but also recipients of Mrs.
Estorge’s legacy of love.
Clarence Calloway, Edmond Guidry, Aaron Myles, Joseph Dunbar, Delas Lancelin, Ronald
Thornton, Alter Sodality and the Knights of St. Peter Claver-Ladies Auxiliary had the
honor of being named honorary pallbearers for this great lady who throughout her many
years on her Christian journey, emblazed and left her special mark of commitment on the
community because of her caring and leadership style. She will be well remembered for her
support of George W. Carver school, as a super active PTA member where she served as
president, as well as for her service to the Acres Home community for over 52 years. She
also served outside her community, as a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital, as a church
relief director and was the recipient of many awards for her dedication.
Faith was the focus of her life and she practiced that faith as a Catholic at St.
Nicholas, St. Ann DeBeupre and lastly as a devout member of St. Monica Catholic Church
where she held membership in the Knights of Peter Claver-Ladies Auxiliary Ct. 151, the
Alter Sodality, the Silver Steppers and served as Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
and CCE teacher. She held memberships in several organizations including the YWCA, Acreage
Home Senior Citizens and Gladiolus Flower Club. Even at age 93, she and her husband John
(a legend at the Houston Club that was credited with helping hundreds of students through
college by providing them jobs), were still active and able to maintain their own tidy
home on the corner of Ellington and W. Montgomery.
In fact, she and John were featured in African-American News&Issues’ 2002
Valentine Day edition and the photo used of them was taken the previous year at the 10th
Annual Juneteenth event, sponsored by the Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce and
Acres Home Community Development. God certainly blessed Marjorie, who leaves a legacy of
love and community involvement to her five children: Johnnie Mae Roy, Mary C. Hamilton,
Erie E. Calloway (Clarence), Agnes C. Dunbar, Joseph and John Estorge III. As their
“Little Mamma,” she also leaves 17 grandchildren, Sam Roy, IV (Mary), Kenneth
Roy (Barbara). Michael Roy, Michelle Thornton (Ronald), Stephan Roy, Miramar Lakes, Ella
Ruth Lancelin (Delas), Cecilia Roy, John Paul Roy, Marjorie Gayle Myles (Aaron) and
Deirdre Hamilton Guidry.
She also leaves as her legacy: Gia Calloway Lewis (Roderick), Anya Calloway Latin
(Melvin), Andrea Dunbar, Erica Dunbar, Donna Estorge Bowman (Shomari), Jon Estorge, IV and
22 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson and a cherished 50 year friend and
neighbor, Jewell Simpson Houston and many other relatives and friends. Well-done Marjorie
Augustine Lamperez Estorge. You certainly helped somebody as you passed along the way.
And without the slightest doubt, you are in that number of Saints that go marching in. |
