Mother Essie Lee (Nolen) Caldwell was born on May 12, 1937, to Lee Humphrey and Frances Nolen in Margret, Alabama. She and her family relocated to Inkster, Michigan, when she was 13 years old, and she graduated from Inkster High School in 1956.

In December 1959, Mother Caldwell accepted an invitation from her first cousin to visit Akron, Ohio, for Christmas. After spending the week together, her cousin encouraged her to stay and find a job. Mother Caldwell followed this advice, and it proved to be a life-changing decision. On January 16, 1960, she met Henry Caldwell, Jr., and just four days later, he proposed to her. They were married on July 16, 1960, in Akron, Ohio.

Over the years, Mother Caldwell worked in various roles, including as a cake decorator, restaurant cook, babysitter, a short-time employee at JM Smucker, a financial secretary, and co-owner of a car wash business. Mother Caldwell was especially known for her delicious sweets, particularly her homemade cakes and sweet potato pies, which she made from scratch.

Mother Caldwell was a member of St. Luke Methodist Church, but then felt led to be with her husband as a member of The True Church House of Prayer to All Nations under the leadership of Elder Pullie Howard. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized with the Holy Spirit on November 30, 1966. Throughout her life, Mother Caldwell held many positions within the church, including Young People Sunday School Teacher, Tuesday Night Bible Study Leader, District Junior and State Teacher, Sunday School Secretary, Assistant Church Secretary, Missionary President, and choir member for 30 years. She also served as the church's financial secretary from 1967 to 2018.

Mother Caldwell, along with Missionary Louise Howard, worked tirelessly to raise funds for the construction of a new kitchen for the church. Through dinners, programs, and donations from business partners, they raised over $52,000. Others contributed by raising an additional $15,000. However, instead of simply expanding the old church with a new kitchen, Elder Pullie Howard, inspired by divine guidance, recognized the need for a new church building. The Lord then laid it upon Deacon Henry Caldwell's heart to lead the effort in building the new church, with assistance from the men of the church. Meanwhile, the women of the church continued their support by preparing meals for the workers.

Mother Caldwell was named Assistant District Mother under Mother Mary Nash, and in 2013, she became the District Mother of Ohio.

Mother Caldwell was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Henry Caldwell; her parents, Lee Humphrey Nolen and Frances Nolen; her sisters, Pankie Butler, Mildred Shell, and Susie Reed; and her daughter, Frances Jean, who was born prematurely and lost at birth on March 17, 1969.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, two children: Elder Dwayne E. Caldwell and Valencia Caldwell; one special granddaughter, De'Anna, and grandson-in-law, LeShaunte Edwards; two great-grandsons, Te-J and Isaiah Edwards; sisters: Phyllis Brown, Corrine (Clarence) Ricks, Patricia Crews, Frances (Ramsey) Daminabo, and Angela (Steve) Ayers; brothers: Larry, Michael (Joanne), and Curtis Nolen; her special best friend, Lois Ann Leslie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mother Caldwell's life was one of service, love, commitment and dedication. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.