Eslanda McNeal Skipper

November 13, 1949 - June 15, 2019

Skipper, Eslanda Obituary

OBITUARY

Eslanda McNeal Skipper, who was affectionately known as “Essie”, was born on November 13, 1949 to the late Walter Sampson McNeal and Bonnie Leslie McNeal in Superior, WV.  She would often times like to be referred to as the coal miner’s daughter and as West Virginia’s mountain mama.   Essie was the seventh child and sixth daughter of nine children.  She was a resident of Hernando, Florida; however most of her life she resided in Upper Marlboro, MD.  On Saturday, June 15, 2019, Essie was with her family when she peacefully departed this life. 

Essie graduated from Welch High School in Welch, West Virginia.  She was also a federal employee for 25 years serving as a secretary for the Department of Agriculture, The White House, and the Department of Commerce.  She was a faithful servant to her country and her community.

Essie was united in holy matrimony to Van Buren Skipper, Jr. in September of 1969 spending almost 50 glorious years together.  She was a devout homemaker and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend.  She enjoyed poetry, art, sewing, landscaping, gardening, reading, and decorating for various events.  But most of all, she was a fantastic cook!  Essie was the life of our family gatherings.  She was a spirit-filled woman who loved everyone and lived for laughter.  There was never a dull moment with Essie’s presence.  Her infectious smile would light up a room and capture a heart.  Her humor would brighten any darkness and ease any situation.  Essie truly had a heart after God’s own heart.  She expressed overwhelming compassion for everyone she encountered.

In addition to her husband Van, Essie is survived by her children: Tanya Skipper Shim and her husband Edwin of Laurel, MD; Van Buren Skipper, III and his wife Arely of Bowie, MD; and Angela Marie Skipper of Upper Marlboro, MD; four grandchildren: Lacey, Victoria, Violeta and Gabriel.  Essie will be remembered by her 97 year old Mother Bonnie McNeal, Upper Marlboro, MD.  Her seven sisters, Margie Peden, Washington, DC; Delcena Gravely (David), Martinsville, VA; Marie Harris, Princeton, WV; Penelope Eberhardt (Harry) Silver Spring, MD; Thressa DeGrandchamp, Gaithersburg, MD; Acquanetta Delaney (Cornelius), Upper Marlboro, MD and Elaine Delaney, Upper Marlboro.  Essie will also be remembered by her special niece Monyna Dorsey, Washington, DC and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Essie was preceded in death by her Father, Walter Sampson McNeal and her Brother, Walter Lonell McNeal.

The family will receive friends at Largo Community Church, 1701 Enterprise Road in Mitchellville, MD 20721 on June 24, 2019 from 10:00 am until the service time of 11:00 am.  Reverend Andrew T. Jones, Pastor and Evangelist Thressa M. DeGrandchamp, Associate Minister of United Hearts Christian Community Church, Silver Spring, MD will officiate.

Internment – Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD  21035

Repass:  228 Weymouth Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Professional Services Entrusted to:  R.N. Horton’s Funeral Services, 600 Kennedy Street, NW Washington, DC 20011




Day:
Time:

What:
Venue:

Where:
June 24, 2019
10:00 AM, 11:00 AM

Viewing, Funeral
Largo Community Church

1701 Enterprise Rd
Mitchellville, MD 20721
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