Elizabeth Lizzie Essex was born September 22, 1933 in Chulahoma, Marshall County, Mississippi. She is the daughter of  the late Jesse and Roxie (McNeal) Bowen.

As a young child she was baptized in the river behind Chulahoma Missionary Baptist Church.

At the age of 11 she moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana with her family.

She later joined Pilgrim Baptist Church and sang in the choir. She attended Central High School.

In August 1954, she married Ernest"Tee" Essex. Shortly after their marriage, she moved her  membership to Progressive Baptist Church with him.

Lizzie, as she was fondly called by family, was a devoted woman with a passion for helping and  caring for those who needed help. She worked as a facilitator and was a faithful advocate for her clients at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center. She retired in 1996 after 32 years of caring service.

Lizzie was just an "all around", devoted woman.

She didn't mind telling you what was on her mind (like it or not)! Lizzie had the gift of giving. She had cared and supported numerous family members and friends during their illnesses, life challenges and downfalls until her own health began to fail. She never turned anyone away, always willing to run an errand or just sit and visit. She was so giving that she often fed strangers and allowed them to sleep on the couch on her front porch. She fed them and gave them a meal to go.

She is best described as being a resilient woman. While raising a family and maintaining her home, she  still managed to care for others. She was like none other. To know her was to love her.

Lizzie also was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Essex Sr.; siblings, Louis Bowen,  Freddie Lee Bowen, Emmitt Bowen, Mattie Louise Shade and Michael Bowen.

Her loving and devoted family includes four sons, Ernest Essex Jr., Harold Essex, Sylvester "Stevie"  Essex and Kimothy (Angela) Essex; a daughter, Debra Ann (Sam) Powers; a brother, Robert Seal  Bowen; two sisters, Phillistine Sharp and Barbara Jean Underwood, 13 grandchildren; 20 great  grandchildren, along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Dear friends:

Ms. Ferdie Howard (deceased)

Ms. Catherine Black

Mr. Kenny Brown