Esther C. Trice

Esther C. Trice of Magnolia, Delaware went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 31, 2023.  She passed away at home surrounded by loving family and friends.

Born and raised in Dover, Delaware to George H. and Fannie T. Clayville, Esther was a lifelong resident of the area.  Known for her quick wit, photographic memory and gregarious nature, Esther never met a stranger.  Esther played hard and loved harder.  She could spin a yarn like a tapestry and tell a joke like nobody's business.  In Esther’s world, there was no problem that couldn’t be solved; there were only puzzles that needed to be figured out.  She saw the good in everyone.

Early on, Esther worked for Mr. and Mrs. Carroll for several years and considered them a second family.  After their passing, she worked for a time as a seamstress, then began a career at Playtex where she met the love of her life, Larry Trice, and developed friendships that lasted the rest of her life. 

Together, Esther and Larry created a community of friends with coworkers from Playtex.  They regularly had NASCAR parties, cookouts, spent time fishing, crabbing, picnicking, and making delicious meals together.  

Esther loved her family more than life itself.  Before her mother and best friend, Fannie T., passed in 1998, Esther visited with her daily and never got over her death.  Children and family were ever present in her life as Esther always made time for others.  

In her later years, as her battle with COPD grew worse, Esther entertained herself with a more sedate lifestyle.  She stayed busy with quilting and crocheting creating beautiful pieces for family and friends to cherish.  She also enjoyed keeping up with friends and family through social media.  She regularly provided comfort, shelter, and sage advice to her many nieces, nephews, grandkids and great nieces and nephews. 

Esther is predeceased by her father, George H. Clayville, her beloved mother, Fannie T. Clayville; all three of her siblings, Ronnie Clayville, Henrietta Harbert, Jerry Clayville; nephew, Ronnie Clayville, Jr.; and great-nephew, Cody Clayville.  She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Larry Trice; children, Roberta Jones (Rodney), Ricky Spencer, and Hali Flores (Andrew); stepchildren, Steve Trice (Michelle) and Erica Ballance (Patrick); grandchildren, Brent Jones, Brooke McMullen (Brandon), Brandon Reed, Grayson Hummel, and AJ Flores, Madison and Luke Trice, Matthew Booth, Ethan and Aiden Ballance. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild, Isla McMullen,  who was born after her passing. She had many nieces and nephews, Philip Clayville (Amy), Regina Mullnack (Derick), Melissa Wilchinski (Matt), Chris Dimeler, James Crawford, Gary Crawford, Meta Jane Soll, Jerry MacNeil (Cathie), Beau Clayville (Elizabeth), Shayne Clayville-Soler (Hank); and many great nieces and nephews.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but they find comfort knowing she is rejoicing in heaven where she is reunited with those she missed so dearly.

Visitation will be at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, DE on Monday, September 11, 2023, from 11 am until 1 pm with services beginning at 1 pm.

Interment will be at 2 pm at Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com

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