Loretta Doris McBride Esau, 93, of East Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at The Gardens Court, Palm Beach Gardens. The daughter of James and Iola McBride and native of Marianna, was born on Sunday, May 26, 1929. At an early age, her family relocated to St. Johns County. She was a 1946 graduate of Hastings Vocational School and subsequently enrolled in the nursing program at Florida A&M's satellite campus in St. Augustine. She was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. Loretta enjoyed thrift shopping, fishing, and singing. Her employment included housekeeping services, Central States Diversified Plant, Georgia Pacific, and Solitron Devices.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in eternal rest by her sisters, Rosa Thomas, Maggie McBride, Louise Wingate, Willa Torres, Bernetta Travis, Gloria Jean McBride; brothers, James McBride, Butler McBride, David McBride; daughter, Marilyn Esau; sons-in-law, Winston Mack, Joe Bellamy.

She leaves to cherish her memories: 8 children, Rosetta Faust, Philadelphia, PA; James (Arcilla) Esau, Palatka; Alfred (LaJune) Esau, East Palatka; Joe (Loretta) Esau, Orange Mills; Azalee Bellamy, Hanover, MD; Marion (Evelina) Esau, Riviera Beach; Alton (Kimberly) Esau, Jr.; Corina Mack, Victoria Jones ( special daughter ); all of West Palm Beach; 27 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Harvey McBride, Charles McBride, Earl McBride; sister , Iola McBride; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 6-8 p.m., Friday, November 4, "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, November 5, at Victory House, 418 S US Hwy 17, East Palatka, FL 32131. Rev. James H. McGriff, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Palatka, Pastor, is the eulogist. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery, San Mateo.