Esther Whitt Nelson made her journey to heaven on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family.  Esther was born on September 28, 1936, in San Antonio, Texas to the late Homer Whitt Sr. and Otilia Tamez Whitt. She was preceded in death by her loving husband and partner of 25 years, Naval Captain Bert Dixon Terry, her first husband Colonel Leonard "Skip" Francis Nelson, and her sisters Rebecca Whitt Joseph and Margo Whitt Olson.

A revered college professor and a veteran of the Naval Reserves, Esther dedicated her life to the education and enrichment of others. Esther grew up in San Antonio, attending Travis Elementary, Incarnate Word High School and Jefferson High School.  She earned her BA and MA at the University of New Mexico. She furthered her education at the University of Texas at Austin where she earned her Doctorate of Philosophy and set the foundation for her distinguished career in academia and began to add to her many accolades. She was also a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and the Phi Sigma Iota professional Honorary Sorority.

Esther taught as a Professor of Spanish Language and Literature, impacting countless students at institutions including the University of Southern California, University of Texas, Trinity, and Gallaudet University where she taught Spanish through sign language to deaf students. She retired as Spanish Literature Professor from the University of Southern California at Northridge in Los Angeles before moving back to San Antonio to enjoy retired life with her husband Bert.

Her commitment to service was evident in her military career in the Naval Reserves, embracing many responsibilities and challenges. It was noted by one of her Commanding Officers that Esther was one of the most brilliant candidates he had ever interviewed. Her passion for service didn't stop there; she also volunteered in many organizations, including with the Boy Scouts of America during her time living in Germany.

Esther was a devout member of Christ Episcopal Church, where she and her husband Bert participated actively in community and spiritual activities. She was a patron of the arts and a talented linguist, as well as an active member of the Opera Guild, Gardenia Club, Mensa and many more. Esther was also a gifted visual artist; she studied at the San Antonio Art Institute in order to pursue her avid love of painting. Esther's relatives will always remember her as the most independent, tenacious, and remarkably intelligent member of the family. There is no one quite like her, and her appetite for life and unquenchable thirst for knowledge will continue to inspire all who knew her in the years to come.

Esther is survived by her beloved brother, Homer Whitt Jr. and wife Grace, their three children: Jeffrey Whitt, Margo Whitt, Jason Whitt; her sister, Norma Whitt Head and husband Jimmy Head; nieces: Susan Joseph Miller and Karen Joseph Henderson;  brother-in-law, George A. Olson and his four children: Martita Olson Donahue, Minette Olson Hedin, George Pancoast Olson, Scarlett Olson Embrey.  Esther also leaves her Flores cousins: Alfred Flores and wife Tenchita, IW Sister Maria Teresa Flores and Diana Flores Boffa;  Tamez cousins: Dr. Danny Tamez, Mary Lou Johnson and Irma Thomas. She also leaves behind the spouses of her nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, her grand-nieces, grand-nephews and her many cousins in both the United States and Mexico that will miss her dearly.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Monday, September 9, 2024

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church

510 Belknap Place

**No Services will take place at the funeral home.

Please direct any deliveries directly to the church Monday morning.

The family would like to thank the staff at Arden Court Memory Care for their compassion for Esther during the last year and a half. A special thank you to Nikki and Maria, who she held very dear, and to Dr. Kelly Cowan, who not only soothed the way for Esther but for us, as well.

Our unending gratitude to Bertha Mazuca, Esther's caregiver and friend. Her dedication in making Esther comfortable and happy by always listening and caring was remarkable, especially in Esther's last days. And special thanks to Esther's critical caregivers Brenda Lumbreras, Norma Zuniga, and Viviana Rivera whose vigilance and love blessed Esther during her last two weeks. May God bless you all.