Essie Heidelberg

Essie Bee Heidelberg, age 87, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 22, 2015. Essie was born in Heidelberg, Mississippi on January 30, 1928 to the late Greene Porter and Nancy Morgan Porter.

Essie resided in Erie for over 60 years.

Essie was a loving, committed Christian mother to not only her children, but also her deceased sisters’ and aunt’s children. Essie adored being around her family and friends. She was well known to all for her extraordinary cooking skills.

She was an active missionary and founding member of Mount Ebal Baptist Church. Essie’s services to God went above and beyond and extended to all in need.

In addition to her parents, Essie was preceded in death by her daughter Dorothy Heidelberg and two of her sisters, Tencie Walker and Eloise Samson.

Essie is survived by two sisters; Jessie R. Porter of Atlanta, GA and Gwendolyn Sanders of Heidelberg, MS; her husband Peter Heidelberg of Erie, PA; four of her children- Willie Heidelberg of Chicago, IL; Regina (Charles) Heidelberg of Erie; Jackie (Robert) Heidelberg Fleming of Pittsburgh, PA; and Deborah Heidelberg of Erie, PA.

Essie is also survived by her grandchildren; Willie Heidelberg, Eric Heidelberg, Bettina Heidelberg, Allan Davis, Shinic Davis, Shonta Davis, Alex Heidelberg, Svita Heidelberg, Brea Heidelberg, Hannah Heidelberg, and Austin Fleming. A host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and beloved nephews, nieces, cousins and friends continue her legacy.

Family and friends may call at Mt. Ebal Baptist Church, 1617 East 26th St on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. with two-minute tributes occurring at 7pm. All are invited to the funeral service on Tuesday at 11 a.m., conducted by Reverend Cleveland Ulmer.

Burial will be at Erie Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street