HAMLET — Essie McKay Paraharm, 92, of Hamlet, passed Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022.
Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31,2022 in the chapel at Nelson Funeral Home, 1021 E. Washington St., Rockingham.
Public viewing will be Tuesday, August 30, 2022, noon-5 p.m., Nelson Funeral Home.
Essie McKay Paraharm, affectionately known by her family and friends as “Ann”, was born in Maxton on Oct. 18, 1929. She first attended school in Robeson County, though at an early age her family moved to Hamlet, where she graduated from Capitol High School and later married Albert Paraharm of Chicago, Illinois.
Those who knew Essie knew she was a warm, caring compassionate, resilient, and loving person with a very generous heart. While she was a talkative person, she was also a great listener and very supportive. And she loved to laugh — it was infectious — and was known for her quirky sense of humor.
Essie was skilled at crocheting and knitting. She made the most exquisite blankets and throws as well as an assortment of other beautiful items. And was known for being a very good cook whipping up delicious soul food dishes.
She moved to California where she lived until the passing of a beloved friend in 1991. She returned to Hamlet to be near her sister Mary McKay Gordon who passed on in 1994.
Essie loved the Lord. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized in 1999.
Essie was called home by God on Aug. 17, 2022.
Prior to her homegoing, she is preceded in death by her parents, Roxie Medlin McKay and Lee Vester McKay; her husband, Albert Paraharm; a special aunt, Mrs. Bessie Lee; Godsister, Josephine Walker; her loving sisters, Mary McKay Gordon; and Betty Graham; and three brothers, Lee McKay Jr., Jerry McKay and Wille F. Inman.
She leaves to cherish her memory one sister-in-law, the honorable Lillie McKay, Maxton; her special niece, Betty Meekins, Rowland; Goddaughter, Cristina L Jones, San Pablo, California; three Godchildren, Stephanie A. Lymore, Oakland, California, Joanna Lymore Aaron, Pleasanton, California, and Betty Jones, Hayward, California; and many nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
Nelson Funeral Service is serving the family.
