Esmer Culver Moore

Thanks to my sister for unearthing this!

In the '70s and into the early '80s, Esmer (or Esma!) was our Friday 'help.'  Back then, the term 'maid' was primarily used.  She mostly worked at my grandparents' home, but on Fridays she was at our house.  Growing up, she was a big part of our lives, and she did virtually everything.  All the kids have stories about her - fond memories.  I have been collecting a number, and I will add them here when I can.  I just remember as a child coming in from school, entering the home through the garage door, then seeing her ironing clothes. You could feel the heat from the steam, and you'd notice that subtle scent that comes from ironing.  We would walk in and say "Hey Esma!" and she would always respond in a pleasant way. We loved Esma!

Esmer made delicious chicken & dumplings, from scratch.  I remember one time, in the middle of preparing them, a huge lightning storm started.  Mother liked to gather us all in a bedroom and away from any power sources.  Esmer joined us that day.  I remember she was sitting in the room with us and was working on the dumplings until the storm passed.

My mother would take Esmer home at the end of workday.  We had a station wagon.  I'd often ride with them.  I was a cute little kid.  One time, Esmer and I were in the car waiting for Mother to come out.  I remember telling Esmer I thought she was so beautiful.  She lit up!  I asked if I could kiss her.  She offered up her cheek.  It made her day, and it made mine.  I was probably 4 or 5 years old.

Esmer was also very creative.  One time a hornet flew up brother Miles' nose.  It got lodged up in there.  😆 Quick on her feet, Esmer took one of her hair pins, cleaned it and then used it to removed that hornet.  Our parents were somewhere else, and Esmer came to the rescue.

I was living in Birmingham when Esmer died.  I was a college student.  I remember hearing the news and later driving around the city.  I was running some errands.  As I was driving and listening to music, I thought of Esmer and our years being around her.  I cried. 

Some of Esmer's kin