Mrs. Earlene Ester Freeland, 76, of Belmont passed away August 8, 2023 at her home due to congestive heart failure.

Earlene, known lovingly by her family as “Earl”, was born November 18, 1946 in North Wilkesboro, NC to the late Lloyd M. Ester and Hazel Benfield Ester. She attended Granite Falls High School and was a part of the 1964 graduating class. She continued her education at Western Kentucky University receiving her B.A. in English and Psychology, paying her own way through school by working at a medical office and Kaufmann’s Department Store in Louisville, KY.  Her sister Sam’s love, support, and generosity were instrumental in helping Earlene realize her goal of graduating from college and becoming a teacher.  Earlene was inspired by her seventh grade English teacher to become a middle school English teacher herself. She taught at Covington Junior High in Covington, KY where she loved helping her inner-city students learn.

Earlene enjoyed reading about American History, especially the Revolutionary Period; was an avid tennis player in the 70’s and 80’s; loved music by George Winston, and Motown oldies.  She joined the Vale Club while living in Oakton, VA.  Earlene was an active member in the book club, gourmet and wine tasting, and the annual Vale Club Fair benefiting the Vale Club Foundation.  She held leadership positions of Activities Director, Vice President, and was honored to be elected President for the 1992-1993 term.  While living in Naples, FL Earlene co-founded with her husband Freeland Gulf Enterprises in 1995 managing the administration and accounting of the business. Her hard work made the business a success resulting in the sale of the company in 2001.  She then became a Real Estate Agent in Naples, FL.  In retirement, Earlene enjoyed morning walks on the beach and sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico at the Naples Beach Hotel. Her morning cup of coffee was best served while watching the Varney & Co. TV show. Earlene’s favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not; for I am with thee”.

Most of all, she loved her family.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Sherill M. Ester.  Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 54 years, David E. Freeland; son, Alexander “Alex” Freeland of Atlanta, GA; and siblings, Elderene “Sam” Arend and husband Bill of Dallas, TX, Barbara Chester and husband Barry of Cajah’s Mountain, NC; Ronnie Ester and wife Judy of Hudson, NC, and Terry Ester and wife Vickie of Dudley Shoals, NC.  Earlene was a proud aunt to eight nephews and five nieces.

Earlene was a breast cancer survivor.  She was always thankful for the excellent care she received at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX and Drs. Rubin and Rubinstein in Bonita Springs, FL during 2009.  She was deeply touched by the love and support of her entire family during that time, including Bob & Carol Arend of The Woodlands, TX for their support and hospitality after her surgery.

Our family is grateful to the nurses and heart specialist team at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for their sincere and empathic care during Earl’s hospitalizations.

The family thanks the team from Hospice & Palliative Care of Lincoln County for their kindness and the loving care they provided for Earl.  Special thanks to Susan, RN, Jessica, Social Worker and Rachel, Chaplain.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 3:00PM to 4:00PM at Refuge Missionary Baptist Church in Hudson, NC.  A funeral service will follow at 4:00PM with the Rev. Darren Peterson officiating.

Earl’s remains will be cremated and dispersed in her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Make a  Wish Foundation.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service and Cremations is assisting the family.