WOODLAND – Mrs. Esther Olivia Casterlow Eason, 84, was born in Northampton County on June 20, 1931 to the late Jesse Thomas Casterlow and Marie Jenkins Casterlow. She departed this life on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina.

Esther graduated from W.S. Creecy High School in Rich Square, NC. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from North Carolina College (NCCU) in Durham, NC. She was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Woodland, NC.

Esther was married to the late Melvin Q. Eason.

Esther was an educator with the Hertford County School System. Her career began as a teacher at R.L. Vann Graded School in Ahoskie, NC, then at Woodland Olney Elementary School in Woodland, NC and Ahoskie Middle School in Ahoskie, NC. She retired after completing 30 years of service.

Her accomplishments included Hertford County Teacher of Year 1979-1980, Outstanding elementary mathematics teacher 1986, the first elected African-American District President for ladies auxiliary to VFW, Democratic President for Woodland District 2001, 2003, 2005, District scholarship chairperson Order of Eastern Stars, selected Outstanding Teacher from the Hertford County Women’s Club 1985, and Past Worthy Matron Order of Eastern Stars Goodwill chapter # 567.

Her professional affiliations include a member of NEA, NCAE, Hertford County Retired Personnel Member and past secretary, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

She leaves to cherish her memories, a loving daughter, Melvajean Eason of Winston-Salem, NC; nieces and nephews, Dexter Casterlow (Alice), Wanda Bennett (Rondy), Bernard Casterlow, Jesse Thomas Casterlow Jr. Carolyn Casterlow, Barbara Green (Larry), Ernie Casterlow (Ingrid), Tonette Casterlow, and Sandra Taylor (Paul); and numerous great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Dorothy Casterlow, Howard Casterlow, Ernest Thomas Casterlow, and Jessie Casterlow.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Woodland, NC. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Jane Mann officiating.

Wilder’s Funeral Home Inc. 921 S. Main Street Rich Square, NC is handling the arrangements.