Mary Esterine Moyler

Mary Esterine Hundley Moyler quietly slipped into eternal rest on Sunday, September 20, 2020.  She was born on October 24, 1931, to the late Joshua and Mary Hundley, in the township of Magruder, Virginia now known as Camp Peary. Following the family's dislocation from Magruder, they settled in Highland Park where she resided for the rest of her life.

Esterine graduated from Bruton Heights School where she was a cheerleader, Choir member, and a member of her Homecoming court.  She was honored to be the school's May Queen one year.

At an early age, Esterine gave her life to Christ and was a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church for more than 50 years.  She later joined hands in fellowship with St. John Baptist Church, Williamsburg. 

Esterine was employed by the College of William & Mary as a Postal Worker for 34 years. She eventually registered as a student and took classes for 2 years.

Esterine was an avid sports enthusiast and was always present and cheering on all of the college’s athletic teams.  Upon the admittance of the first black students at William & Mary, she became "Mom” to many of them and formed long-lasting relationships.  She had a servant’s heart and dedicated herself to bettering her community and the world at large. In the 1970’s, she became the first black woman to register and run for a City Council seat in Williamsburg.  This spurred her interest in public service into overdrive and was active for decades until her health began to fail.  She started registering people to vote and went door to door ensuring that all eligible aged residents of the Highland Park community could do so.  Esterine volunteered at the polls and was a constant smiling fixture there passing out stickers for decades.

She served on various boards in and around Williamsburg.  The closest to her heart was the Social Services Board where she was a board member for 25 plus years. She was also a life member of the local NAACP, organizer of the Highland Park Martin Luther King Day Service of Remembrance, and President of the Highland Park Civic Organization for over 20 years.

Esterine always encouraged young people to find their voices and use them. To further encourage them she often teamed with the late Dr. Carol Hardy, Dean of William & Mary, enrolling hardworking students of color in summer enrichment programs and hosting youth gatherings in her home to hear speakers like Neil Patrick Harris of Doogie Howser fame.  Many notables crossed her threshold including James Brown and Gene Wilder.  Politically, she was a sought-after voice because of the passion she had for those she believed in. As a die-hard Democrat, she was always willing to give an ear to Republican candidates.  She assisted in campaigns for Kennedy, Clinton, and Obama. She had the pleasure to meet Rep. Bobby Scott and Gov L. Douglass Wilder.

Her heart was with her local community.  She always participated in local elections.  Mayor Jeanne Ziedler deemed her as a sister.  Esterine was a quiet force in and around the Williamsburg area; not taking center stage but organizing and inspiring others.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter E. Moyler Sr.; son, Walter E. Moyler Jr.; and six of her brothers and sisters. Left to cherish her memories are her son, Cyrus F. Moyler (Marletha); four grandsons, Cyrus Havens, Brandon Moyler, Walter E. Moyler III, and Gregory Williams; six granddaughters, Latonya White, Krystal Carter, Kristin Young, Marquita Williams, Atina Williams, and Theresa Roberts; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Myrtle Gordon; daughter-in-law, Katrese Moyler; brother-in-law, Carl Moyler; sisters-in-law, Flossie Lewis and  Dorcas Moyler, and Maggie  Hundley; special nieces, Patricia Cross, Brenda Braxton, Esther Lundberg,  Rosalyn  Allen, and Johnette  Gordon;  a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.  

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Hampton Memorial Gardens.  Family and friends to assemble at 529 Dunning Street by 9:15 a.m. on Saturday.  Facebook Livestream will be available for this service.  A walk-through viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2020, at Whiting’s Funeral Home.  Face-covering and social distancing are required at all gatherings.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com

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