- Date Of Birth: October 15, 1957
- Date Of Death: August 5, 2017
- State: Maryland
Esther Tardy Pratt was born in Lower Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Liberia to Lucy Benson Pratt and the late Frank Pratt, on October 15, 1957, when the Heavenly skies opened and the world was granted a beautiful soul.
The oldest of nine children, Esther’s work ethic was engrained at an early age. By the age of twelve, Esther was proficient in the kitchen. While her friends had the luxury of playing outside after school, Esther had a laundry list of chores to complete while helping to care for her younger siblings.
Esther’s childhood education was obtained at St. Peter’s Clever School located in Lower Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. She attended Fatima and Bishop Ferguson Episcopal High Schools in Maryland County before transferring to B.W. Harris Episcopal High School, Monrovia Liberia, where she graduated. After graduating from high school she attended The University of Liberia, Monrovia Liberia. Esther was employed by the Liberia Telecommunication Corporation, as a Teller and Cashier.
Esther was married to her former husband Jeremiah G Davis, and the union was blessed with two children Jerry Davis and Marjay Davis. Due to growing instability and national unrest in Liberia, along with the desire for a better life, Esther and her two children transitioned to the USA in 1984. Her husband later joined her in 1985, and in 1987 they gave birth to their third child, Nanwher Davis.
In the United States Esther’s work ethics were put on display. Although she was a mother of three, she still found the strength to work two- sometimes three- jobs to make ends meet. Esther earned her living as a Care Giver and her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. One particular family became so enamored with her that they decided to sponsor her for US citizenship.
Esther never forgot about her family she left behind in Liberia, she was determined to give each and everyone of her siblings and parents a taste of the United States. After bringing her youngest sister Yeadea to the US, she later sponsored her mother, Lucy, and eventually her father, Frank Pratt, to the US. After constant pursuit, Esther along with her mother Lucy was finally able to bring the rest of the siblings to the US. Her compassion and love for people didn’t end with her family. Throughout the years Esther has maintained relationships and sponsored countless individuals as well as extended family throughout Liberia.
Birthed in Esther’s upbringing, she maintained her passion for cooking and pursued her culinary degree at ATI Career Institute. After attending the culinary institute her passion for cooking was reignited. Esther began catering events within the Liberian community. On the weekends she would open her doors to the community and provide authentic Liberian cuisine. This created a place for the Liberian community to come together.
After a four-year battle with Multiple Myeloma, On August 5, 2017 at approximately 5:48 AM surrounded by family, Esther was called home to eternal rest. She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her son, Jerry Davis (Shanay); her daughters, Marjay Sabbakhan (Rama), Nanwher Gweama (Alvin); her mother, Mrs. Lucy Benson Pratt; eight sisters, Angeline Pratt, Lulu-Anne Pratt (spouse), Velma Pratt, Julia Pratt, Yeadea Pratt, Yeaty Pratt, Doris Pratt, and Vivian Pratt; seven brothers, Wade Pratt, Edward Pratt, Edwin Pratt, Tony Pratt, Frank Pratt, Emanuel Pratt, and Joseph Pratt; six grandchildren, Mardea Davis, Sir Davis, Nejae Sabbakhan, Adewale Sabbakhan, Mya Gweama, Malia Gweama; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and endearing friends.
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