December 26, 2024

Essie V. “Miss Essie” Witherspoon

Essie V. “Miss Essie” Witherspoon, age 81, died February 13, 2017 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, KS. She was born May 1, 1935 at Pickens, AR, the daughter of George and Mary Lee (Mingo) Baker.

On August 6, 1959, she married James Witherspoon at Liberal, KS. He survives.

She had been a resident of Liberal for more than 45 years.  

She worked at Southwest Medical Center in housekeeping and at King’s BBQ as a cook. 

She was a member of New Life Nondenominational Church as a Church Mother.

Survivors include
4 Sons Benard Witherspoon and wife Frankie Arlington, TX
James Witherspoon, Jr. Arlington, TX
Bobby Joe Witherspoon Liberal, KS
Ollie Reddick Dumas, AR
3 Daughters Dixie Curry and Husband Kenneth Arlington, TX
Mary Washington and husband Ulysses Liberal, KS
LaTanya Witherspoon Liberal, KS
4 Brothers Herman Lee Baker Liberal, KS
Calvin Lee Baker Liberal, KS
Albert Earl Noble Topeka, KS
Herbert Mingo Dallas, TX
15 Grandchildren Lamar Witherspoon, LaTasha Witherspoon, Rosalind Witherspoon, Kendra Witherspoon, Latrice Witherspoon, LaTisha Curry, Kenneth Curry, Jr., Reginald Curry, Demetrious Werner (James), Domnique Washington, B.J. Washington (Justice), Mercedes Adams-Witherspoon, Anthony Smith, Timiko Ponder and Devasha Rascon. 14 Great Grandchildren Isaiah Witherspoon, Nashaya Witherspoon, Aja Johnson, Shimar Smith, Jr., Sanaya Wilson, Xaiver Smith, Dexter Smith, Jr., Cameron Smith, Jamarion Smith, Riley Hodges, Jamesya Werner, Jakyree Washington, Janiece Washington, and J’yanna Washington.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 Daughter Gloria J. Brown, 1 Son George E. Washington, 3 Brothers Bill Baker, George Baker and James Baker, Sr.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2016 at Heaven Open Gates Ministry with Pastor Walter Witherspoon II, presiding. Burial will be in the Liberal Cemetery.

Visitation will be 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Friday, with family present from 6:00-8:00 pm at Brenneman Funeral Home to greet friends. 

Memorial contributions may be sent to New Life Nondenominational Church in care of the Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com