Esau Whitfield Sr.

Esau Whitfield, a lifelong resident of Benton Harbor, MI, was born May 27, 1949, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to parents Alouch Whitfield, Sr. and Polly Mae Whitfield departed this life peacefully at home on August 3, 2025.

Esau accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Second Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Donald Adkins. 

He was educated in the Benton Harbor School System and graduated from Benton Harbor High in 1967.

During his lifetime he worked as a Carpenter for which he received his training in the Building Trade Program from Lake Michigan College.  He also worked with the First Presbyterian Church Neighborhood Renovation Program;  and, Cook Nuclear Plant in the Maintenance Department until his health began to fail.

Esau was an avid outdoors person, and he loved hunting and fishing.  He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He is survived by:   Two Brothers:  Alouch (Norris) Whitfield, Jr., Buchanan, MI. and, Rev. William (Veronica) Whitfield, Benton Harbor, MI.  One Sister:  Carmen Lewis, Covert, MI.   Four Daughters:  Theresa (Terry) Edison;  Avis (Paul) Slaughter;   Geri (Larry) Rivers;  Teneka Cohn.    Three Sons:  Eric Reese;  Kem Watley; Esau Whitfield, Jr.  Seven Granddaughters:  Tashion (Tim) Davis;   Essence Adams;  Ja’Nae Payne; Torri Reese;  Kori Rivers;  Aleighya Slaughter;  Kai Rivers.   Five Grandsons:  Paul Campbell;   Terrence Edison, Jr;  James Edison;  Larry “LJ” Rivers, Jr.;   Brandon Reese.   Four Great Granddaughters:  MyShion Davis;  Jaddah Campbell;  Paris Campbell;  Parker Campbell.   Six Great Grandsons:  Tim Davis, III;   Korben Dale;    I’Meir Edison;   Carter Edison;   Isaiah Brann;   Preston Campbell.  One Special Nephew:  Crispin V. Whitfield.    One Special Helpful Friend: “Dan”.   And a host of other relatives, friends, and acquaintances in and around the Benton Harbor Area.

He was preceded in Death by his Parents: Alouch and Poly Whitfield;  Brother: Moses Whitfield;  Sister-In-Law: Hazel Whitfield;  Grandson: Michael Reese;  Grandmother: Rendie Simmons;  Uncle: William Montgomery;  Aunt: Marie Montgomery. 

All who knew Esau, will miss him, but he will never be truly gone from us; because he will forever be with us in our hearts.    We all love you Esau.  But, sleep on and take your rest. 

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