OFFICIAL NOTICE OF EARTHLY TRANSITION: Mrs. Ruth Esther Chandler-Ham - Thursday, March 3, 1955, ~ Wednesday, December 25, 2024, of Valdosta, Georgia - (69)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the transition of Mrs. Ruth Esther Chandler-Ham, a devoted pillar and business owner of our community. The name Ruth Esther holds profound significance. "Ruth" symbolizes loyalty, compassion, and devotion, while "Esther" embodies courage, strength, and wisdom. These virtues were exemplified in Mrs. Chandler's life and legacy.

Mrs. Ruth "Esther" Chandler-Ham was born in Valdosta, Georgia, on March 3, 1955. She was the oldest child of seven born to Deacon David, Jr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Miller. She had accepted Jesus Christ in her life as her Lord and Savior and was a member of the Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Valdosta, under the pastoral leadership of Sup. Johnny Bradley. Esther was a loving wife to Mr. Edward Ham, Jr., a devoted mother to her sons, a caring and giving daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend . Her family loved her dearly for her gentle, quiet, and lively spirit. Esther graduated from the Valdosta City Schools System and later attended the Valdosta School of Barbering where she attained her Barber and Cosmetology licensure.

She was a well-known barber, hair stylist, and sole business owner (CEO) of Esther's Hair Station in Valdosta, Georgia for 33 years. She was dedicated to her craft and took the initiative to create successful opportunities for herself and others, even in the face of obstacles life presented to her. “Ms. Esther”, as often called by many, was admired greatly and respected. She took many young men and women under her wing and provided them the opportunity for apprenticeship and mentoring; training and guiding them to become highly skilled, competent barbers and stylists. Throughout her career, she received many awards and accolades while attending numerous and diverse hair shows. In May of 2023, Mrs. Esther received the Small Business Award hosted by Azalea Business Consultants, celebrating her many years in business. She was a pillar in the community and positively impacted all with whom she came in contact.

Esther was preceded in death by her Sister: Martha Poulian; Brother In-Law: David Poulian, Sr. and Son: George Quezergue.

Esther leaves to cherish her memories: her Husband: Edward Lee Ham Jr.; Parents: Elizabeth and Deacon David Miller, Jr.; Sons: Kwame R. Holder and Jamaal M. (Brittny) Jackson; Sister: Elizabeth Rosetta (Freddie) Spates; Brothers: Joseph Miller, David Daniel (Angela) Miller, Alfred Alonzo (Kim) Miller, and Andrew Quentin (Anetra) Miller; Sisters In-Law: Sabrina and Laquanna Ham; 31Nieces and Nephews: Nekesha (Isaac) Hill; Lafayette David Poulian, Jr.; Latalya D. ”CoCo” (Victor) Gordon; Brandon Poulian, DeShawn Poulian, Krystal Poulian; Tameika D. Miller, Jasmine Henry, Heather Y. Miller, Jeremy Henry, Chelsie Miller, Joshua Henry; Teneka (Courtney) Lock, Freddie D. Spates, III, Darius Spates; Elesia D. Miller, Kimberly M. Miller, Jarrett A. (Arasia) Miller, J. Jarrod Miller); Ariel Miller, Alana (Devin) Butler; Antrez (Eboni) Miller, Andrew Miller, Carina Evans, and Jaxon Ham; Grandchildren: Kwame (Laurie) Neloms, Jamaal "Lil Maal" Jackson, Jamaurie Quezergue, Makayla Kirkland, and Jaydence Jackson; Great -Grandchildren: Kaiden and Londyn Neloms; God - children: Jasmine Brown and Kielay Carter; Aunts and Uncles: Bartow Williams, Sr, Catherine Denard, Ethel Love, Luther (Sallie) Williams, and Carolyn Copeland; Special lifetime Friends: Ms. Ernestine Wright and Ms. Bernadette Jones; and a large host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends

As Madam C.J. Walker once said, "Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them." Mrs. Chandler embodied this spirit, taking initiative and creating opportunities for herself and others. As the owner and operator of Hair Salon Services, she touched countless lives with her love, compassion, and dedication.

Join the family of Mrs. Ruth Esther Chandler as they celebrate her life, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Union Cathedral (1050 East Hill Avenue, Valdosta, GA). Bishop Wade S. McCrae, Gracious Host, Elder Jeremy Henry, Presiding, Supt. Alfred Miller, Eulogist.

Burial will take place at Pallbearers Cemetery immediately after the service.

The Harrington Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with handling the final arrangements for Mrs. Chandler, ensuring that her transition is marked with dignity and respect.

We take this moment to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mrs. Ruth Esther Chandler. May her legacy continue to inspire and uplift us all.