Esta Mae Dunham

Esta Mae Dunham, 83, passed away peacefully in Mansfield, Texas, on Monday, July 13th, 2026. She left behind a profound legacy of family, love, and resilience. Esta was born on December 11th, 1942, in Paducah, Texas, to Claude and Leota Yarbrough. As the final surviving sibling, she is now reunited with her parents, her oldest sister Vera Scott and husband Bill, and her youngest brother Claude Yarbrough Jr. and wife Lana.

Throughout her journey, Esta shared her life in marriage with Jerry Brownlow and later with Jim Dunham, both of whom have passed on. A devoted mother, she modeled immense strength and grace, holding her family close through every season, including the tender losses of her eldest daughter, Sherry Brownlow, and her sons, James Dunham and Leslie Dunham.

She is survived by her loving son, Lonnie Dunham, and his wife, Teri; her devoted daughter, Jenifer Dunham; and her daughter-in-law, Tina Swirczynski.

Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Renee Hart and husband Travis, Julie Kline and husband Blake, Kortney Boyett and husband Brett, C.J. Dunham and wife Courtney, Tiffany Dunham, Nikolas Dunham, Angela Gomez and husband Christian, and Brandon Bursby.

She was the proud great-grandmother to sixteen great-grandchildren: Porter and Parker Hart; Kelsey and Kooper Kline; Arabella and Colt Dunham; Kylie Pearce, Michael Pearce, and Skye Javier; Avaen Carroll, Maekaylynn Carroll, Austin Gomez, and Eleanor Gomez; and Rayne and Zayne Bursby. She also leaves behind her granddaughter Kortney's beloved fur baby, Hazel, and her own absolute prized possession and faithful companion, her cat, Willow, who brought Esta daily comfort and peace to her side.

Esta's love extended well beyond her immediate household to a large, tight-knit circle of extended family and friends. She is survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins who brought immense joy to her life. She also leaves behind her dearest best friend and true partner in crime, Laurie Sanders, with whom she shared countless memories, laughs, and adventures. Esta was the true anchor of her family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the laughter, stories, and tight-knit bonds of the beautiful lineage she built.