ORANGEBURG - Esther Rogers Tomson, 80, of Orangeburg, died Thursday, July 30, 2017, at Hospice House in Greenwood, after a long, extended illness.
Born Nov. 1, 1936, in Sumter, she was one of 10 children born to the late David and Bertha Rogers. Esther was a graduate of Edmunds High School Class of 1954 and she attended Wingate University. Esther always had a strong and passionate love for her church and the community. While living in Sumter, she sang in the choir at Alice Drive Baptist Church. After moving to Orangeburg with her family in August of 1979, she joined First Baptist Church of Orangeburg. There she served as a deacon and sang in the chancel choir. She also proudly sang with the wonderful ladies of the Johnnie Price Ensemble. Esther served on numerous committees at the church and was a volunteer at the Mission Action Center, Golden Fellowship and the Soup Kitchen. Every Christmas she would organize the Angel Tree, which would collect gifts for the less fortunate children of Orangeburg County through the Department of Social Services.
Survivors include her loving husband of 58 years, Chester J. Tomson Jr. of Orangeburg; two sons, Michael D. (Carla) Tomson and Chester J. (Beverly) Tomson III, both of Orangeburg; grandchildren, Michael D. Tomson II, Sarah Rogers Tomson and Samantha Grace Tomson, all of Orangeburg; five brothers and sisters, Sarah (B.J.) Marsh of Sumter, Mary (Ned) Richardson of Saluda, Charles F. (Cindy) Rogers of Sumter, Everett G. Rogers of Sumter and William K. (Billie) Rogers of Manning; and a great number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, David J. (Agnes) Rogers of Orangeburg; sisters, Dorothy (Dick) Barto of Pinewood, Jacqueline Rogers of Sumter and Barbara (Bob) Bianco of Omaha, Nebraska.
The family would like to give a very special thanks to the nursing staff at The Saluda Nursing and Rehab Center in Saluda, Self Regional Hospital in Greenwood and The Hospice House in Greenwood. There is also a very special thank you to her caregiver, Peggy Murray of Orangeburg.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ryan Tucker officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Orangeburg.
Pallbearers will include Joey Cromer, Jeremy Cromer, Michael D. Tomson II, Cleve Marsh, William Sanford and Gregory Phillips.
Honorary pallbearers include members of Agape Sunday School Class and the Couples Sunday Class of First Baptist Church of Orangeburg.
Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church of Orangeburg's Chancel Choir or the Mission Action Center at the First Baptist Church of Orangeburg.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.dukesharleyfuneralhome.com.
Dukes Harley Funeral Home of Orangeburg is in charge of arrangements.
