Ester Mason Sr. was an artist when it came to concrete. His concrete work artistry is displayed in various parts of the city for businesses and developers.
Mr. Mason, who born on Nov. 25, 1920, died on March 1. He was 102.
The homegoing service for Mr. Mason was held March 11 at his home church, Norris Avenue Baptist Church, 1437 Norris Ave. The Rev. Dr. Rickey L. Dugger Sr., Norris Avenue’s pastor officiated and delivered the eulogy.
Dugger is president of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association. His wife, Patsy Dugger, one of Mr. Mason’s 14 children.
Born in Williston, Tenn., Mr. Mason was baptized at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Eads, Tenn. Years later, he united with Lake Grove Baptist church, he became chairman of the deacon board. In 1994, he joined Norris Avenue and served as deacon under the leadership of his son-in-law, Pastor Dugger.
The farewell service drew a standing-room-only crowd. For many, a familiar image was of Mr. Mason singing a song titled “Move Upstairs” along with the Norris Avenue Male Chorus.
Mr. Mason worked briefly for the railroad before he began his own business as a concrete contractor. His concrete tenure spanned nearly 40 years. He was a lifetime member of Antioch Masonic Lodge #151.
In 1955, Mr. Mason married Hazel Wright, and their union was at 67 years and counting when died.
He also leaves a sister, Louise Langston, and his children, Estelle Carter, James Lee Mason (Gwen), Jeffrey McFadgon (Carolyn), Ester Mason Jr., Bernice Baskin (Donald), Annette Reece (James), Roy Lee Mason (Karen), Deborah Mitchell, Michael Mason (Tracie), Laverne Nixon (Lee), and David Mason (Priscilla); 30 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by seven brothers, five sisters, two daughters (Annie B. Mabone and Shirley Mason), and a grandson, Michael Mason Jr.
