Mrs. Essie Jewel Maclin

Essie Jewel Maclin was born on September 13, 1926 to the union of Roosevelt and Arminter (Morris) Maclin. The oldest girl and fourth born of eight, Essie was a natural competitor. She took pride in being able to contend with her brothers, while exemplifying the essence of a strong Black woman for her sisters. She received her formal education at St. Matthew School in Stanton, TN. Essie committed her life to Christ at St. Matthew Church in Stanton, TN at an early age. In the mid-1970s, after heeding the call of the Apostolic doctrine, she joined Mt. Zion Assembly Healing Temple in Milwaukee, Wis. where she dutifully worked to serve the Lord. She served as lead usher, was a member of the Zion Sisters and was a dedicated member of the pastor’s aide for over 20 years. She whole-heartedly believed in service and lived out the adage “whatever your hands find to do then you should do it.” Essie Jewel Maclin was united in holy matrimony with David Lee Maclin on August 3, 1946 in Stanton, TN. For 35 years, David and Essie shared a strong bond of love and dedication, as evidenced through Essie’s devotion of caring for David until his death in 1981. A committed and dedicated couple to their six children, David and Essie strived for excellence. In fact, they relocated from Tennessee to Wisconsin in 1950 in pursuit of a better life for their growing family. The couple instilled the highest morals and values into their children, stressing education, superior work ethics, accountability and respect for self and others above all. From her work as a domestic to her long 26-year career as an X-ray aide at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Essie, a natural leader and nurturer of others, took every experience and opportunity to help and encourage someone else. She truly lived her life with the power of love as her guiding force. Essie cherished her children and grandchildren; they were her life. She enjoyed cooking for her family, shopping, watching wrestling and reading her Bible. With her sassy attitude and infectious smile, Essie used her wit to tell you “her” truth to help you see the light. She would always say “you can’t say I never told you.” Many people spent countless hours on her porch or sitting in her living room reaping Essie’s pearls of wisdom. Surrounded by several grandchildren singing her favorite praise songs, Essie Jewel Maclin peacefully departed this life on February 13, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband David Lee Maclin; her son David E. Maclin; and grandson Terence D. Maclin; her parents, seven brothers and one sister. She leaves to cherish her memories her children: Annie Louise (Conroy) Miskel; Paulette, Ronald, Victor (Lenora) Maclin and Jacqueline Cook; daughter-in-law Juanita Maclin; one sister Francis Helen (Clyde) Gee and brother-in-law Nathaniel Johnson. Carrying on her legacy are her beloved 34 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by her nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Mrs. Essie Jewel Maclin

September 13, 1926 - February 13, 2013