Estelle B. Bacon

Estelle Bell Bacon, 85, was born in Fruitland, Maryland on October 14, 1926 to the late Albert Shockley, Sr. and Carrie Shockley Leatherbury. She was a very devoted wife to Bernard C. Bacon for 61 years and a loving mother to their son, Rommel B. Bacon, Sr. Always putting her family first, she loved her husband and son unconditionally, and supported them incessantly. Estelle received her public education in Somerset and Wicomico Counties and graduated from Salisbury High School in 1945. She graduated form Henryton School of Nursing; received training from United States Public Health Service Hospital (USPHSH) and Johns Hopkins School of Cytology. After 25 years of service, she retired from the USPHSH as a cyto-technician. After retirement, she received her certification from the Maryland School of Travel as a travel agent. Holding steadfast to her Christian upbringing, Estelle became very active in the AME Conference. She joined Grace AME Church and was confirmed as a Steward of Grace and was also involved in many organizations. She was a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendant, Educational Committee Member, Delegate to the District and Annual Conference, Delegate to the Connectional Lay Organization Convention, Member of the Steward Board, Finance Committee Member, Program Coordinator, Treasurer of the Baltimore District Sunday School Board and Director of Public Relations of the Baltimore AME Conference. Estelle served as Vice President of Grace Improvement Organization for 20 years. She organized the Lay Organization of Grace AME and was President for 22 years. She loved to travel; whether it was by spending vacations at Niagara Falls, the Caribbean Islands, or traveling the United States by train. Considered one of the matriarchs of her family, “Aunt Stella”, as she was affectionately called, was the epitome of class, poise, and strength. She was readily available for her family and served as a second mother to her nieces and nephews. Her nurturing spirit and loving personality was a silent force in her family. Her wise discernment was treasured by all who loved her. Always being viewed as the “backbone of the family”, it was understood that when Aunt Stella spoke, everyone listened. Her soft voice and humbling spirit will be forever cherished. Her family views her as a jewel now placed in the Kings’ Crown. She leaves cherished memories with her husband, Bernard C. Bacon; one son, Rommel B. Bacon, Sr.; one sister, Ida M. Stanford; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a very devoted nephew and his wife, Gary and Denise Stanford, Sr.; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Tributes

Estelle B. Bacon

October 14, 1926 - July 19, 2012