"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Esther Manigault, affectionately known as "Tumsey", or "Tums", was born on September 15, 1946 in the South Santee Community of McClellanville, SC. She was the first born of seven children to the late Jack Manigault, Sr. and Julia Ann Reid Manigault. In the quiet noon day on Friday, January 17,  2020 at Tidelands Memorial Hospital in Georgetown, South Carolina, Esther was ushered to her Heavenly home to be with the Lord.

Esther was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. She joined Greater Mt. Zion AME Church where she was a very faithful Usher, Stewardess and member of the Nancy G. Glover Women's Missionary Society. While living in Summerville, she attended Royal Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of Guiding Light Chapter #268, Order of the Eastern Star, WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) and the South Santee/Awendaw Community Centers.

Esther enjoyed her daily walking exercise with her hands behind her back, word puzzle book search, crabbing and fishing. Esther also enjoyed going on Carnival Cruises and being adventurous with friends and family.

Esther received her formal education in the Charleston County Public Schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1965. She was gainfully employed as a Domestic Housekeeper in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Esther was a loving and God-fearing woman whose faith in God never wavered. She gave much, shared often, loved passionately and cared for her family, church and community. She never met a stranger and loved all her pastors. The family applauded her very much for the role she demonstrated in love by rearing her two brothers: Norman who was 4 years old and Lucas who was 8 years old after the passing of their mother.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Julia Ann Manigault; and three brothers, Graylyn, Leroy and Lucas Manigault.

Esther leaves to celebrate her life: two brothers, Jack Manigault, Jr. (Deborah) of Summerville, SC and Norman Manigault (Sharnette) of McClellanville, SC; one sister, LaVern O. Smalls (Peter, Jr.) of McClellanville, SC; a sister-in-law, Sharina Tammy Manigault; aunts, Mary Howard of Snellville, GA and Nena Reid of Brooklyn, NY; her adopted sisters who provided her transportation and cared for her health, Valdean Winns, Frances Howard, Eleanor "Biddie" Campbell, Elmina Reid, Anna Chisolm and Michelle Campbell; cousin/brother, Richard Singleton (Veronica); a very special friend, Ernell Wright of Moncks Corner, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, January 23, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, 789 South Santee Road, McClellanville, SC. Burial, Old Board Cemetery. Viewing will be Wednesday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.