Sadie Pearl Esco

Mrs. Sadie Esco, formerly Sadie Pearl Williams, was born September 28, 1943, the 3rd child of 10 from the union of Maggie Mae and Louis Williams Sr. in Canton, MS. She had fond memories growing up with her large family, a total of 16 siblings. At the age of 5, she went to live with her Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Honor Dearn. There she learned the building blocks of being hard working, organized and independent. Growing up on the farm, she asked if she could pick cotton in the early mornings so she could attend school daily. Church was also a part of daily life. On September 16, 1955, she accepted Christ as her personal savior and was baptized that 3rd Sunday as a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. She ended up graduating a year ahead of her class from Rogers High School in 1961 where she was voted Most Talented. 

Upon graduating she relocated to Chicago, where she was then greeted by her future husband James Thomas Esco at the train station. They later married March 27, 1962. From that union three children were born Sheila Yvette, Rita Deverne Esco, and James Thomas Jr. Sadie worked tirelessly at various positions, however it was her job at Automatic Electric - GTE that she cherished most. She later went on to work at Phillip J. Rock School as an Instructional Aide and Union Steward. After 16 years of service she retired in 2008.

Sadie was a woman of style and substance. Always impeccably dressed, her home was a reflection of the pride and care she put into everything she touched. Her meals were unforgettable; her desserts were divine, and she could sing like an angel. She didn't sugarcoat a thing – but her honesty was a gift, and so was her heart. She gave with joy, spoke with truth, and loved with her whole being.

Sadie lived in Maywood, IL, a 50 plus year resident, where she was active in the Senior Club and her church, Proviso Baptist. 

Sadie transitioned July 4, 2025, on her favorite holiday. She joined her other beloves which included her spouse James Esco Sr., (Parents) Maggie and Louis Williams (Bonus Parents) Lizzie and Honor Dearn. Family: (Brothers) John Earl (Justine), Louis (Alma), Willie, Charles (Ada), and Honor Williams. (Sisters) Louvenia (William) Roberts, Amanda Harris, Sammie (Rufus) Hadley Sr., Hester (William) Reynolds, (Brother -In-Laws): Elijah Porter Sr., Willie Harris, and Larry Holmes Sr. (In Laws) Earline Goines-Miles & Percy Lee Esco, AC (Ruby) Jones, Elnora (Dnover) Mood, Mozell (Willie) Gowdy Sr., Tommie Lee (Willa) Gowdy, Earnestein (Lee) Nichols, Percy Lee (Mary) Gowdy, Hersteen (Cleotha Sr.) Williams, Jimmy Esco, Elgie Goines, Clarence (Anna) Esco,Timothy Esco, and Edwilda Esco. 

She leaves to cherish her memory; her children, Sheila (Nesbitt) Wesonga Sr., Rita Deverne Esco, and James Esco Jr., her grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings: Amiki Williams, Lizzie Porter, Johnnie (L.C.) Robinson, Jesteen Holmes, Eddie (Doris) Cobb, Louis P. (Irma) Williams Sr., Ada Harris, her “Texas children” Calvin and Debbie Gowdy Sr., her godchildren Dennis and Gale Taylor, her sister-in-law and best friend Lou Ellen McSwain, and her dear friends Angela Love and Marie Goodwin and a host of other relatives and loved ones. A special thank you to her husband's family as she never forgot the love and attentiveness extended to her in his absence and when she needed it most and to her caretaker Linda Averhart. 

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