Estella Slaughter Dandridge, the adopted daughter of the late Charlie and Cora Evans Slaughter entered into eternal rest on February 2, 2009. She was born on February 28, 1921 in Sandy Hook, Virginia.

As a child, she helped her parents on their farm and attended the Goochland County Public School System. Later, she moved to Richmond, Virginia where she was employed for a number of years at the British America Tobacco Company. She left that employment to return home to take care of her ailing mom.

Estella was joined in holy matrimony to Ferris Earl Dandridge of Mineral, VA. Together, they reared seven children; five sons and two daughters.

Early in childhood, she joined the Fauquier Baptist Church in Goochland, VA. After marrying and moving to Mineral, VA, she moved her membership to New Anna Baptist Church where she became a dedicated and faithful servant for the Lord. She was a member of the Heavenly Echoes and of the Usher Board of which she was president for a number of years. In recent years, she became the Mother of the Church, letting her light shine by performing her duties to the best of her ability; not only at New Anna but at various other churches when she was called upon.

She was a tireless servant, always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. She gave of herself without expecting anything in return. Caring and attending to her seven children, teaching them by example to put God first and then spread that love around so that others can see Christ in them.

Although her husband Ferris preceded her in death, Estella leaves to cherish the memory of her love and devotion: two devoted daughters, Deacon Evelima Thurston (Bruce) and First Lady Dorothy Brown (Pastor Mark); five wonderful sons, Trustee Jerry Slaughter, Sr., (Priscilla), Deacon Earl Dandridge, Sr. (Patricia), Evangelist Everett Dandridge, Sr., Deacon Kenneth Dandridge, Sr. (Earlean), Deacon Cornelius Dandridge, Sr. (Gloria) and stepson, Gean Baker; 15 grandchildren; Bruce Thurston, Jr. (Stacie), Everett Dandridge, Jr., Kenneth Dandridge, Jr. (Fonda), Keith Dandridge (Tamika), Dwayne Thurston (Lisa), Cornelius Dandridge, Jr. (Jermelle), Earl Dandridge, Jr. (Nicole), Terrell Dandridge, Kenisha Robinson (Shawn), Jerry Slaughter, Jr., LaFonda Parham (Ty), Kevin Brown (Aleathia), Eric Brown, Christopher Dandridge and Ryan Dandridge; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Philip Jackson and George Watson, three brothers-in-law; Archie Dandridge, Mervin Matthews and Robert Brown; nine sisters-in-law; Rosa Brown, Iola Dandridge, Ruth Dandridge, Vernel Dandridge, Mary Matthews, Gloria Dandridge, Wanita Watson and Lena Robinson, Mary Dandridge; four devoted men she called her foster sons, Robbin Shelton, Henry Wash, David Johnson and Steve Bradshaw; and many more that called her mom and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2009 at New Anna Baptist Church, Mineral, Virgina with the Reverend Sherman Thomas, officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.