Vera Josephine Esa

Vera Josephine Esa, daughter of the late James Oris and Clara Gertrude (Gertie) Worsham, was born on March 17, 1932, in Mountain Grove, and passed away on Dec. 20, 2024. She was 92 years and 9 months of age. Vera grew up in Mountain Grove and attended Mountain Grove High School. On May 27, 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, David Earl Esa, also from Mountain Grove. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage until David’s death in August of 2017. During their marriage they lived in Missouri, Tennessee, Idaho, Illinois and Arkansas. She embraced each move with a spirit of adventure and eagerness to form new friendships. They had two children, David Joe Esa and Susan Kay Esa. Vera’s first job was with the Brown Shoe Company in Mountain Grove and she played on their women’s softball team which she thoroughly enjoyed with her sister, Bonnie (Worsham) Friend. She loved sports and played volleyball in school and later as an adult learned to golf, snow ski and was a championship bowler. Besides playing sports, she was fond of Rook and was often seen playing with family and friends.  In her spare time, she also loved to go to garage and estate sales and was a fierce negotiator. She was an extremely hard worker at whatever she did and even into her 90s she continued to work in her yard.  Later in life, one could frequently find her on her patio deck enjoying the outside and waving to her neighbors. Vera’s ministry was being the best neighbor she could be, and during her life she had the privilege to form many life-long friendships. She had a unique gift of connecting with people of all ages and facets of life. After she and David would move to a new state, many neighbors would travel long distances to continue their friendship. She also attended a Baptist church wherever they lived.   Most important to Vera was her family and she remained close to her five siblings throughout her life.  Large family gatherings were common and were full of fun, great food, and fellowship. She frequently hosted family and friends and adored those gatherings and shared experiences. She also cherished celebrating birthdays and was frequently preparing birthday cards. And, her personal calendar represented the life of her family and friends – their birthdays, anniversaries, and the day someone passed away.  
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, David Joe Esa; one brother, Francis Worsham; and three sisters, Thelma Friend, Irene Durney and Bonnie Friend. Vera is survived by one daughter, Susan Kay Esa, of Springfield; one sister, Marietha Fern Crewse, of Brentwood, Tenn.; one daughter-in-law, Nancy Elizabeth (Betsy) Esa, of Knoxville, Tenn.; one sister-in-law, Esther Durant, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and one brother-in-law, Ted Baumgardner, of Winter Park, Fla.; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
Visitation for Vera Esa were held Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, from 10-11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Mountain Grove. Funeral services followed at 11 a.m., also at the church, with the Rev. Brad McAtee officiating. Leatha Ault will read the scripture, Psalm 100:1-5. Song selections will be “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and “Joy To The World” with Nancy Doty serving as accompanist. Tony Bleau, Sam Crewse, Randy Hales, Travis Weems, Jack Worsham and William Worsham served as pallbearers. Burial took place in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Chapel Assembly of God, 9260 Farm Road 183, Fair Grove, MO, 65648. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.