Darrell and Esther Plyter grew up in the same community—Esther on a farm in the countryside and Darrell in town—but they attended the same school and shared a circle of friends in Williamson, N.Y. After graduating high school, they were apart for over a year while Esther pursued secretarial training. Upon her return, they became inseparable. The couple married in 1962 on Darrell’s 22nd birthday with a simple ceremony and a reception in the church basement, featuring cake, pillow mints, and peanuts.
“Weddings were much simpler back then,” laughs Darrell, who had just returned from his granddaughter’s wedding. “Simple by today’s standards, but it was the perfect start to our life as husband and wife.”
The couple remained in upstate New York and raised three children—Mark, Marnie, and Michael. It was a good life.
“I gave Esther the nickname ‘Essy Mae’ early in our marriage,” said Darrell. “It was my way of getting her attention, and it stuck throughout our 62 years together.”
Darrell retired in 2000 and in 2002, he convinced Esther to do the same so they could escape upstate New York’s cold winters in Florida. After 14 years of splitting their time between states, they decided to simplify life with just one home. Their son Michael, who lived in Graham, N.C., encouraged them to move south.
In 2016, Darrell and Esther sold their homes in New York and Florida and moved to Burlington, N.C., to enjoy their golden years. But as life often goes, things didn’t unfold as planned. That same year, Esther was hospitalized for a week with a ruptured appendix and spent several more weeks recovering. After that medical crisis, their children began noticing subtle changes in their mother.
“I was with Esther 24/7, so I didn’t notice the changes as clearly as our children did. When she struggled to carry on a conversation, I always helped her find her words.”
In 2022, a visit to Esther’s geriatrician led to an MRI, which revealed significant brain cell damage and confirmed a diagnosis of vascular dementia.
“Taking care of Essy Mae, the home, our yard, and even our dog eventually began taking a toll on me,” shared Darrell. “Our family decided it was best to sell our home and move into an independent living community.”
As Esther’s dementia progressed, she began wandering at night and experiencing frequent falls, both which are common for individuals living with dementia. In February 2024, the family made the difficult decision to move her into a memory care community.
“I visited her every day and made sure she had everything she needed.”
Darrell learned about the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in Alamance County and discussed participating with his daughter, who still lived in New York. She eagerly encouraged him and flew down to join him. Darrell created a team in honor of his wife – Essy Mae’s Walkers.
“What I thought would be the hardest part—fundraising—ended up being a delight,” recalls Darrell. “Sharing what I was going through and why I was walking inspired so many people to donate. I also learned just how many people are impacted by dementia. It was really eye-opening. On Walk Day, several people came up to us and said they were praying for our family. It was incredibly touching.”
All of that support led Darrell to raise almost $1,300 and earn a Grand Champion medal, that is given to participants who raise $1,000 or more. His team – Essy Mae’s Walkers raised over $2,600. He also earned a Rising Star award as a first-time participant. Both awards sit proudly on his nightstand.
In January 2025, Esther passed away at the age of 84.
“I always joked with my wife about her healthy genetics and long-living relatives,” Darrell shared. “I always assumed I’d be the first to depart this world. I have good days and bad days, but thankfully the good days are outnumbering the bad. I know she’s waiting for me, and I’ll see her again.”
Essy Mae’s Walkers will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Alamance County again this year.
“Essy Mae would be proud of us!”
LIKE DARRELL, WE ALL HAVE A REASON TO FIGHT FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. Join your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s today as an individual, team, or sponsor.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®:
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association® mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2025 dates in North Carolina:
| Alamance County | 9/27/25 |
| Asheville | 9/27/25 |
| Charlotte | 10/18/25 |
| Fayetteville | 10/25/25 |
| Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln | 10/11/25 |
| Guilford County | 10/25/25 |
| Henderson County | 9/27/25 |
| Iredell Co. & Lake Norman | 9/27/25 |
| Jacksonville | 9/27/25 |
| Moore County | 9/13/25 |
| Mount Airy | 9/20/25 |
| New Bern | 10/18/25 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus | 10/4/25 |
| Unifour | 10/25/25 |
| Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) | 10/4/25 |
| Wilmington | 11/1/25 |
| Winston-Salem | 11/16/25 |
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 