Esther Mae Dearmond - Mobile Memorial Gardens

Esther Dearmond Stone, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Satsuma, Alabama, on June 28, 2025. Esther was born on October 27, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama, to Robert and Lena Drake. She was one of six children and shared close bonds with her siblings: Junior Kittrell (Eunice), Bobby Drake (Gaye), Edwina Turner (Junior), Marvin Drake (Faye), and Jetter Drake (Pat). She was married to the late Truman Olney Dearmond and is survived by her devoted husband, Rev. Virgil Stone. Esther was a loving mother to her daughter Renee Gunnin Shipley (Michael), her son Randall Olney Dearmond, and her stepdaughter Dorcas Dearmond Winton. She was the proud grandmother of Jennifer Shipley Kyser (Blake), Erin Shipley Rutledge (Conor), Bobby Greer, and Jessica Nicole Winton, and a cherished great-grandmother to Abigail, Allison, Addison, and Annabelle Kyser; Frances, Ellis, Charlie, and John Walter Rutledge; and Ethan Greer. For over 20 years, Esther worked at Gayfers department store in Mobile, AL, and later found joy in “pushing racks” at Dillard’s during her retirement—always on the hunt for the perfect outfit. She had a deep love for fashion, with a closet full of bold, colorful clothes and shoes to match. Flashy jewelry and stylish purses were her signature, and she wore each piece with flair. She was a member of Calvary Temple Assembly of God and lived a life full of faith, warmth, and laughter. Esther was known for her big personality, quick wit, big heart, and unwavering love for her family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Esther’s nurse, Molly Wiggins, and her aide, Charlotte Harbin, with Southern Care Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness during her final days.