Lou Esther Blunt

On March 18, 2025, the late LOU ESTHER BLUNT, affectionately known as “QUEEN ESTHER” gained her wings to heaven. LOU ESTHER BLUNT was born to Louise Stafford-Watson and Thomas Watson Sr. on June 23, 1940 in Rowland, North Carolina. She received her education and completed it in the Rowland, North Carolina Public School System. She went on to attend Fayetteville State College for one year in 1959 before withdrawing to return home to help take care of her family. At the young age of 12, she met her loving soulmate, Elder Gus Blunt Sr. On September 9, 1961 they married and from this union, they had five beautiful children. They relocated to Hempstead, New York in 1962 where she was employed by the Village of Hempstead, NY as a dedicated school crossing guard. After almost 30 wonderful years of helping to keep her community’s youth safe, Lou Esther retired at the age of 54 years old. Although she had a wonderful career, her greatest accomplishment was her generosity; she enjoyed dedicating her time to her children, grandchildren, family and friends . Lou Esther Blunt was a woman of many talents and a heart full of love. She had a passion for singing and cooking and was also a skilled seamstress. Her life revolved around faith, family, community and offering wise advice to those around her. She played a significant role in raising many of her nieces and nephews, providing them with love and guidance. Known for her homemade chocolate cakes, salmon croquettes and signature Kool-Aid, she was a beloved figure in the family. After retiring, she dedicated her time to help raise her grandchildren, continuing to be a pillar of support. A gracious hostess, she found joy in cooking for family gatherings, friends and the community. Anyone who visited her home was welcomed with open arms and never left hungry. With an open kitchen that seemed to run 24 hours, she made sure that not only her children, but also their friends, always felt at home. She was a devoted member of Hazy Grove Baptist Church in Hamer, South Carolina, where she sang with the Watson sisters alongside Sarah McCallum. Shortly after relocating to New York with her late husband, Lou Esther Blunt became a dedicated member of South Hempstead Baptist Church, where she worshipped for nearly 40 years and served as a lead singer in the gospel choir. Her faith was a guiding force in her life and she was baptized twice- first at the age of 12 at Hazy Grove Baptist Church and later, in 1984, by her late husband in Jesus’s name. A faithful woman, she found immense joy in lifting her voice in praise to the Lord, sharing her love for God through song. Lou Esther Blunt was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Gus Blunt Sr., her son, Gus Joseph Blunt Jr. and grandson, Kenneth Grim. She leaves to mourn four daughters: Remona Blunt of Lumberton, NC, Lori Blunt of Baltimore, MD, Tyclie Blunt of Pikesville, MD and Corran Blunt of Baltimore, MD. She also leaves to cherish four grandsons: Joshua Blunt, Koron Blunt, Christian Blunt and Henok Atakilt; two granddaughters: Jasmine Atakilt and Corren Blunt; two great-granddaughters: Jameesha Blunt and Arya Atakilt; three sisters: Recella Whittington, Lumberton, NC, Alinda Blunt Gill (Murry Gill brother-in-law), Lumberton, NC and Dorothy Page (Frederick Bob Page brother-in-law) Graham, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her dearest friends Jack (and the late Rose) Moultrie and Erma Keller.

Tributes

Lou Esther Blunt

June 23, 1940 - March 18, 2025