Esther Bear

Esther Bear, age 99 of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina returned to her heavenly home on August 1, 2022. Her devotion to her family, friends and her firm belief in God supported her during her last days and ultimately gave her peace.

She was born to the late Samuel and Elizabeth Nelson on June 27th, 1923. She was married to the late Carl L. Bear on April 27,1946. They lived together in Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania for fifty years. In 2001 Esther relocated to Gaithersburg, Maryland to be with her only daughter, Linda Wheelhouse and her son-in-law, Bill Wheelhouse. In 2019 Esther relocated with her daughter and son-in-law to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

Esther was the last surviving sibling of 14 and is survived by many loving nieces and nephews. She is survived by her two grandsons, Willian John Wheelhouse II and Carl Thomas Wheelhouse, six great grandchildren and two nieces and a nephew on her husband’s side of the family. 

Esther was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Aliquippa. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women. Esther’s ministry was sending cards. She loved remembering family and friends with a card noting a special event in their lives. She also enjoyed receiving cards and flowers. Esther said she would rather have flowers while she was alive to see them. Her nieces from California, Barbara Emerson and Pam Schoenbachler along with a good friend, Marsha Tomai, made that happen on a regular basis.

A special thanks goes to our Amedisys Hospice team, especially Angela Parrott Knight and Karen Carr who have taken exceptional care of Esther for three years. Also, a special thank you to Annette Benn, April and Alaysha Green who lovingly cared for Esther the last six months of her life.

Interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be sent to the First United Church of Aliquippa, 2816 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.