Essie Lee Walls was born to Elijah Taylor and Fannie Lee Cleggett. Essie was born on April 10, 1936 in Jackson, Tennessee .  Essie received her education while residing in Tennessee.

Essie loved her family and enjoyed her time with them. Essie departed this life on November 14, 2019 in Belleville, Illinois.

Essie leaves to cherish her memory; sons, Jerry Taylor, Anthony Taylor, Thomia Taylor, Jimmy Taylor, Lamar Taylor, Rickey Walls, Billy Flagg and Merle Walls; daughters, Wilma Taylor, Mary Alice Walls and Joyce Ella Miller and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.