Esther Victoria Nazelrod Cross Johnson, (Essie or lovingly nicknamed Queen Esther by her Uncle Earl), age 83 of Lusby, MD, and formerly of Deep Creek Lake, MD, passed away on June 2, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Born April 21, 1941 in Oakland, MD, she was the daughter of the late William McKinley Nazelrod and Hazel Beatrice Harsh.

Esther attended Southern and Northern Garrett High Schools.  For several years, she was an administrative assistant for Shannon & Luchs Real Estate Company and Chesapeake Ranch Water Company. Esther moved to Calvert County from Gaithersburg, MD in 1984.  She enjoyed boating, fishing, crabbing, traveling, and gardening.  In her earlier years, she loved water skiing and swimming in Deep Creek Lake, MD.  Esther was a past volunteer and member of the Solomons Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergency calls and safety checks on her boat, the Early Bird–so lovingly named after her brother, Earl, who was a POWMIA in the Korean War.

Esther is survived by her children, Diana Lynn Cross Mills (Christopher) of Delmar, MD, Maria Ann Cross Wagner of Lusby, MD, Teresa Jane Cross Lee (Brian) of Lusby, MD, Patricia Cross Whalen (Jimmy) of Stuart, FL, and Charles Edward Cross (Cathy) of Gettysburg, PA; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Cross whom she married in Deep Creek Lake, MD and her second husband, Carl Johnson whom she married in Bridgeville, DE.  Esther was also preceded in death by her siblings, Ervin Nazelrod, Ellis Nazelrod, PFC Earl Clifford Nazelrod, POWMIA, Korean War, Eleanora Sis Nazelrod, Ernest Nazelrod (Louella), Elizabeth Jane Nazelrod, Eston Robert Nazelrod, Edward Nazelrod, and Everette Nazelrod.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support your favorite Christian charity in her name.