Essie Mae Alston, daughter of the late Oscar Lee and Pearl Kelly Thompson, was born on April 24, 1938 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She departed this life on March 12, 2011. Essie moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1943 where she received her education in the Baltimore City School System. She retired from Maryland Transit Administration Bus Company. Essie was very affectionate toward her grandchildren and very outspoken toward others. She loved to cook for any occasion. She was the oldest of ten siblings. Essie met the love of her life, who preceded her in death, William Bernard Alston. She leaves to cherish her memory; sister, Isabell; five brothers, Albert, Bobby, George, Buddy and Jimmy; three daugthters, Pat, Shelia and Pearlie; and a devoted son-in-law, Roland Carter; grandchildren, Iesha, Shavonne. Chaquita, Corey, Miracle, Essie, Anthony, Tyisha, Ricky and Isaac preceded her in death; a whole lot more, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.