Mrs. Estela Alma Lumbsden, age 97, of Douglasville passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:30am from Atlanta West End Seventh-day Adventist Church. Entombment to follow at Paulding Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at Atlanta West End Seventh-day Adventist Church on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:30am until 11:30am.

Flowers will be accepted at the funeral home on Thursday, May 2, 2024 between 8:30am until 4:30pm or on Friday, May 3, 2024 starting at 9:30am at Atlanta West End Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Birthplace:

We the loved ones and five generations of Estela Lumbsden, invite you now to Central America, to the beautiful, tropical Isthmus of Panama. Now we take a three-day journey on the "Antonio Tea" to the province of Bocas del Toro, to Bocas Town (neighboring Almirante, One Mile, Patuatown, Shanginola and Zegla). Here sun-kissed waters and beautiful beaches will entice everyone. It was in Bocas Town on February 16, 1927, that our beautiful and beloved mama, grandma, great-grandma, great-great grandma, vibrantly, yet gracefully, entered this life. She entered this life aptly named Estela, meaning star - a "bright star shining in a dark night;" with her positive, insightful, and soothing influences, she illuminated the lives of all with whom she came in contact.

Estela was officially registered the following day on February 17, 1927, and added to the family trees of: Rosella Beckford (Mother), Alfred Redman (Father), Rosella (Sister), and George (Brother). Estela identified herself to be a member of a strong family and one that never gives up on their dreams. She trusted God to fulfill her dreams.

Legacy:

Estela enjoyed and reciprocated the love and fellowship of family in her early days. As they nurtured her, so she nurtured others. Consequently, she was given the nickname "Alma" by her midwife mother Rosella, which means "soul."  Indeed, our star Estela was notably a kind and nurturing soul. She followed in her mother's footsteps and would bring home the elderly and the sick, as well as expectant mothers who needed assistance. Her mother's approach was using natural remedies at the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Childhood Friends & Influences:

Alma had a winning personality and a great sense of humor. She was cherished and mentored by two older paternal cousins. They lived by the motto: "family best friends forever." Alma was a living doll to them both. The first cousin, Herminia Wood-Burke, founded a care home in her community for the poor and elderly, who had no one to care for them.

Secondly, Dorcas Wood Burns, Herminia's younger sister (now 102) was the "Good Samaritan" who served and fed children and everyone else who needed her assistance. In recent years, the two Woods would often video call Estela on "WhatsApp."  Dorcas would often say, "Alma, I love you and miss you so much! I hope to see you again real soon. Alma, you're my everything!" All we could do was cry, sing for both of them and pray with them.

At age eight, Alma met and acquired another best friend in the person of Thazarbell McKenzie Biggs (now 104) who built and supported churches in Panama. They mutually enjoyed their love and friendship for 89 years. Combining two families, Alma and Thazarbell enjoyed each other's generations; various events and genuine love as they travelled abroad and visited each other.

Alma would later find a ministry partner in Miriam Garth (now age 102), a kind, benevolent friend in Gamboa, Canal Zone Church. Ms. Garth was a seamstress who lent her talents to people in need of clothing.

Evangelist:

As Alma freely received, she freely gave to everyone, and they all rose up and called her a blessing. She was mentored and she mentored her younger cousins, her children, and her community. Her kindness inspired her friends and family to pick up the mantle of service.

She was a good soldier of Jesus throughout her life.

Even as a child, Alma gravitated to opportunities of volunteerism and self-sacrificing service, as she cared for children in the community Branch Sabbath School. In her pre-teen years, she was the first evangelist to her family. Alma repeated the wonderful stories of Jesus from Branch Sabbath School to her mom Rosella, uncles, and aunts, as well as their friends and other families. As a result, she and many family members were baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Migration – Local and Abroad:

At age 16, Alma left home and traveled to the capital of Panama, Panama City to further her education. Then she went to the province of Colon. Two years later, she met and married Eustace Laurie, Sr., an employee of the Civil Service Commission of the U.S. Government. From this union, eight children were born. Marva, Hortencia, Eustace Jr., Nulma, Alicia, Alejandro, Ruth, and Jo-Ann. For 21 years they resided in Gatun Canal Zone and later Gamboa Canal Zone. Alma was still an extension of her mother's "natural healing" approach and continued to serve her children and others in that capacity. She also saw to it that they participated in daily morning and evening worship, attended Bible studies, worship services, Pathfinder Club meetings and Ingathering at the Gamboa SDA Church.

Alma's dream was that her children would also have more educational opportunities. Upon preparing her Naturalization documents, for the goal of migrating abroad, she went back to her original name "Estela" and thus migrated to the United States of America. She arrived in December 1966, in the state of New York, where she worked with a Jewish family in order to sponsor her children to live in the U.S.

She impacted the lives of this family and inspired their offspring spiritually, with principles from the Bible. As a result, the children chose professional service careers and declared that they would choose mates who lived by the Biblical principles that Alma had taught them.

Health /Ministry Passion:

Estela embraced the health message, and to her benefit, she practiced and taught natural healing. She modeled the results of this approach throughout her life. Estela had a passion for living a healthy physical and spiritual lifestyle. Her goal was to enhance her health from both inside and outside. She frequented the "Blue Zone" of Loma Linda, California and rubbed shoulders with centenarians; she collaborated with her daughter Alicia with various health fairs as a senior model.

In 1974, Estela and Samuel Lumbsden were married and resided in Jersey City. They attended the Beth-El SDA Church in Jersey City, NJ. Their home was a lighthouse and their ministry extended from feeding the homeless to housing weary travelers. They built the kingdom of God by Bible studies and church support. This continued through the years in other states where Samuel as a teacher was relocated:

- Maryland – Estela worked in the Adventist Hospital as a culinary assistant.

- Baton Rouge, LA – Where she taught as an assistant teacher in the Preschool program.

- Oakland, CA – Estela cared for and ministered to the sick.

- Jersey City, NJ – Estela was the "Granny Teacher" who taught at Excelsior International Bilingual Learning Center (PreK – 8). She translated in Spanish and taught phonetics, health laws for wellness and the Beatitudes. She also assisted the parents with natural remedies, to maintain wellness and a healthy lifestyle.

- Georgia – assisted in growing several churches including the West End SDA Church along with her spiritual daughter Margaret Davie. Alma was passionate about ministry.

- Alma lived in Douglasville, GA and attended several churches in the vicinity (Bright Star Church, Grandview SDA Church, Sweet Water SDA Church, and the Spanish Churches where she and Samuel ministered).

Final Days:

As time progressed, at the age of 92, Estela went to live with her second oldest daughter, Hortencia Peterson and spouse, William Peterson, where she received optimal care for three years. Her daughter and son-in-law lovingly and diligently provided the best of care for her. In her earlier time spent, she helped attend to their private garden, went for walks, and went on vacations and other trips with them.

At age 95, Estela returned to Georgia and resided with her daughter Jo-Ann and husband, Robert who maintained an open-door policy. Estela enjoyed many sing-spirations with family. Estela had the ability to read, repeat and finish her Bible verses; she attended various familiar churches where she worshipped with her beloved brethren. Estela went on many outings, shopping adventures, and trips with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She experienced lakeside outings and had great fellowship with visiting family and friends. She was celebrated at various parties, where she was appreciated for all the good that she had shown and the love that she had spread throughout her life. It was our honor to care for her. She received an outpouring of love, attention, and affection.

Mama was a beacon of light, her altruism for others shined forth. She wanted to be identified as a woman who walked with God and emulated His character, even if it meant self-sacrifice. When you met her, instantly you were drawn to her by the love she showed. She would introduce you to Yahweh, her Maker, and Author of Love.

On April 10, 2024, during the night's rest, still with unwavering faith, Estela fell asleep peacefully, awaiting the return of her Lord, Savior, friend, and King Jesus Christ. It was raining intermittently that morning when the authorities were notified. All the people who attended to her remains commented that they had never seen a death so peaceful and comforting as Estela's. "She was almost smiling," one said. "Wow, this was the perfect way to die, in your sleep with no pain." The other said, "She was so content. She must have been honored and well-cared for."   Even in death, Mama was ministering to the living.

As her physical body was being transported to the hearse, the sun immediately came out, illuminating her forehead, as if God were saying, "Estela is My beloved daughter."  The sun, perfectly positioned, was beaming forth with a glistering ray on her face; God was showing us HIS stamp of approval on her life as if to say, "You were one of My ambassadors and now just rest, for it is well with your SOUL."   All we could do was a group hug, thanking one another for all the love shared with Mama and God for bringing her into our lives. We honor her by vowing to be faithful to God and being ready for the second coming of Jesus.

Family & Devotion:

Estela was very spiritual, peaceful, joyous, loving, and a very pleasant person. Her connection with God was evident as she interacted with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. She had many favorite hymns, two of which were: "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus" and "Face to Face with Christ My Savior." She also enjoyed reading her Bible daily and praying for her family and friends. Estela eagerly participated in the Bible studies while at church. One of her favorite Bible verses was: Job 19: 25, "For I know that my Redeemer lives…"

Left to mourn the loss of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, great-great-grand mother, aunt, cousin, friend, and church sister; we thank God for the opportunity to have her in our lives.

Family

Preceding her in death:

Father, (Alfred Redman), mother, (Rosella Beckford), sister, (Rosella Redman), brother, (George Lowe), Husband (Eustace A. Laurie, Sr.), son, (Eustace A. Laurie, Jr.), grandson, Pieare Headley, grandson, Justin Laurie, Husband (Samuel Lumsden)

Her children:

Marva O. Laurie, Hortencia (William) Peterson, Nulma E. Shand-Drake, Alicia (Virgil) Humphrey, Alejandro A. Laurie, Ruth (Calvin)Watkins, JoAnn (Robert) Gunn

Predeceased by son: Eustace (Evelyn) Laurie, Jr.

Her grandchildren:

Michael A. Smith II, Maia Smith, Javier Smith, Virgil Humphrey, Jr., Leilani Humphrey, Lauren Strode, Calvin Watkins, Jr., Julian Watkins, Jared Watkins, Eustace A. Laurie III, Evelyna Laurie Del Valle, Alejandro A. Laurie Jr., Brandon Laurie, Ryan Gunn, Si'era Gunn. Predeceased by grandsons: Pieare Headley, Justin Laurie

Great-grandchildren:

Cassandra Dill, Aaron Dill, Mikayla Cephas, Danielle Smith, Camila Smith, Jacqueline Smith, Michael A. Smith III, Alexandria Smith, Asha Smith, Ayana Smith, Tyson Headley, Michelle Headley, Bradley Humphrey, Ava Stroud, Peyton Stroud, Ayana Laurie, Osiris Laurie, Dakota Laurie, Lucious Laurie, Liana Watkins, Kailyn Watkins, Yahzyh Gunn, Zaryah Gunn, Aveline Del Valle, Daniel Laurie, Eden Laurie

Great-great grandchildren:

Victor Rodriguez III, Aleia Dill

Nieces and Nephews:

Cynthia Hayes, Carlos Laurie, Gloria Laurie, Ovid "Papito" Laurie, Jr., Xenia Laurie

Cousins:

Inez Picart, Rose Anderson, Ruby Grimes, Xenia Bryant, Silvia Seguignol, Fernando Seguignol, Angelo Smith, Dona Gratic, Ishmael Smith, Arnold Davy, Deorla Davy

Bellamy Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Estela Alma Lumbsden of Douglasville, GA.

Mrs. Lumbsden's service will be live streamed and can be found here.