Queen Young

On November 4, 1934, Turner and Celestine Tucker were blessed with a baby girl who they gave the biblical name Queen Esther. Born in Kinsley, Arkansas Queen Esther was the first of two children and the only girl born to this marital union which began in 1932. Her parents and brother preceded her in death.

With the hope of a better life and more job opportunities, Queen Esther’s father moved the family to Saint Louis when she was four years old. She was educated in the Saint Louis Public School System, graduating from Vashon High School in 1952.

Shortly after high school, Queen Esther met the love of her life Mr. Sylvester Young. They were united in holy matrimony on November 19, 1953, and remained married until his demise in 1988.

Queen Esther studied home economics in school which resulted in her developing a talent for sewing. She worked as a seamstress and for many years she proudly crafted the uniforms worn by the St. Louis Football Cardinals Team.

Queen Esther loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church. She was faithful in the ministry of music where she served as the youth choir director and sang in both the Gospel Chorus and the Mass Choir. Her involvement in church highlighted her passion for music and nurturing the next generation.

Never having children of her own, she doted on the children who were part of her extended family. Additionally, she had a special love for animals and for years she simultaneously cared for her three fur babies (Lady, Pudgy, and Friskey).

Queen Esther led a simple yet rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. She touched the lives of others with her talents, her devotion to her church, and her affection for her family- both human and furry.

As she is now adorned in her heavenly crown, Queen Esther’s memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched including her niece Annette Tucker Ray (Jason), her nephew Dennis Tucker (Joyce), two great nieces Treina Tucker and Jordyn Ray, and two great nephews Dennis Tucker and Alexander Ray. Her memory will also be cherished by her extended family, her Zion Travelers Church Family, and her Oak Knoll Nursing Home Family.