Ms. G. Esther Fountain

Depending on when our paths crossed and where you entered the equation, you have bits and pieces of my Story but allow me to merge it all together and share with you - The Life and; Times of George Esther Thornton Fountain. I took my first breath on January 16, 1942, in Dallas, Texas - to Ellen Esther Simpson and George Otha Thornton. From the moment that I was endowed with the unique combination of my parents' names, it was evident that I was destined to leave an indelible, lasting, and unmatched impression on every life that I was blessed to encounter. Like many of my family and friends, I was educated in the Kansas City Public School System, specifically W.W. Yates Elementary, R.T. Coles Vocational High School, and Manual High School; furthering my education at K.U. Medical Center, LPN school. My life's journey led to various professional endeavors at the Osteopathic Hospital and the Department of Mental Health, with my longest and most notable tenure being a driver for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority - making me one of few Black women (at that time) to hold the position. Of course, this led to me being the driver everywhere we went; near, far, and everything in between! Following retirement in 1994, I was blessed to own and operate Food By Design, where I was able to flourish in and expand my culinary gift by preparing meals for the church Summer Camp (at its inception), various church banquets, and dignitaries like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and jazz artist Jay McShann. Having been raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, faith in God and being active in the church has always been the underlying foundation and source of strength in my life. Uniting with Highland Avenue Baptist Church (now Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church), I was baptized in 1948 by the late Rev. C.S. Stamps. It was during this era that I made lifelong friends, many of whom were more like family – Delores Carpenter, Chris Cooper, Sybil Daniels, Maynard and Mable Harvey, Signolia Moore and Doris Wilson being just a few of those with whom I shared an unbreakable bond. During my 70+ years at Metropolitan, I served with the Youth Ministry, Hostess Committee (former president), Inspirational Choir, Breaktime Club, and the Culinary Team where I took great pride in preparing meals for various functions training and mentoring young people who expressed an interest in the culinary arts. Having a passion for clothing and dressing to impress, I also found joy in modeling and commentating fashion shows throughout the city and for various church auxiliary programs. It was during these years that my flair for fashion and style caught the attention of Eddie L. Fountain, Jr., with whom I was joined in Holy Matrimony on September 3, 1965, by the late Rev. Wallace S. Hartsfield, Sr. Together, we were blessed with our greatest accomplishments, Ira and Edwina. Although our marriage dissolved, one thing about those Fountains that remains true to this day -- once family, ALWAYS family! Because of that mantra I remained daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, auntie, and cousin. Not only did Eddie remain a lifelong friend and amazing father to our children, through him I was also blessed with my second daughter, Crystal, whom I loved dearly. As my story neared its conclusion, just know that I continued to persevere -- even after health issues dictated that I move in with my daughter, Edwina, son-in-love, Calvin, and grandson, Calvin, Jr ,Jaybird.. I continued to strut with my fashions - although a little slower than before. I continued to flash my captivating smile and maintained a fierce and protective love for my family and my church until my health declined. George Esther Fountain Thornton exhaled her final breath on October 12, 2024, at the home, surrounded by her loving family. It has often been said that your entry (birth) and exit (transition) are miniscule in comparison to how you fill the space between your dashes. We give God glory for the blessing of Esther Fountain and how she filled the space between her dashes. Well done Queen Esther - You will be missed. Left to cherish wonderful memories and continue her amazing legacy are her son, Ira Lanell Fountain; daughters, Edwina Jones (Calvin) and Crystal Fountain; grandsons, Antoine Dion McCoy, and Calvin Jones, Jr.; granddaughters, Marshanette Fountain and Syera Horrell; great-granddaughter, Dequilla Williams; great-great grandson, Keandre Marquis Booker, Jr.; nieces, Johnnie Ann Crawford, Lawrencina Oramalu (Frank); sibling cousins, Joyce Williams, Geneva Smith, Bettie Fisher, Chequita McClain, Levoid Simpson, Sr. and Herbert Simpson; long-time best friend, Nina King and a host of nephews ,nieces, cousins other relatives and friends Funeral services Friday, November 1, at 12:00pm at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation Friday 10:00am- 12:00pm at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. G. Esther Fountain

January 16, 1942 - October 12, 2024