Pastor Eric Hildrith Chessier

Eric Hildrith Chessier was born to the union of Earl T. and Sandra Chessier on Sunday August 17, 1969. He received the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior at a very early age. In 1984, Eric joined Monument of Love/St. Paul C.O.G.I. C. under the leadership of Apostle Joseph Paul Easterling and First Lady Ruby Jewel Easterling. He completed his primary education through Chicago Public Schools. Eric went on to earn an Associate Degree from South College in Savannah, Georgia in Business Administration, Bachelors of Science Degree from DePaul University and a Masters of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary School. In 1988, Eric was ordained as a minister by Apostle Jospeh Paul Easterling. Shortly after being ordained, Eric enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the U.S. Army and National Guard for approximately 15 years, with an honorable discharge. Eric had a fulfilling military career, which included a tour in Darmstadt, Germany as part of Desert Storm. He was promoted to sergeant and received many commendation awards for his outstanding service. Eric had a blended family. To his first union, (Marjorie Barrett) three children were born, Monique Chantel, Michelle Chanel and his “only begotten son”, Michael De’von. On November 27, 1999, Eric married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Madina McClure, who he affectionally called “Trish.” From this union, two children were born, Erica Lynn and Jessica Ann. Eric was a man who loved and adored his wife and family. Family time was most precious to him, whether it was watching wrestling together, attending a baseball game or simply flying kites with his children. He loved music, using it to set the scene in every aspect of his ministry. He was an accomplished base player and drummer, not to mention he could throw in a few vocals as well. Eric was full of life and if you knew him, then you knew that he always dressed to impress as he would say, “styling and profiling”. Self-care was important to Eric, so the chance of running into him at the male spa, was pretty common. His love for cars was so astounding that he almost got put in the garage with them! Eric was an historian and could be found at any time, studying history or sharing it with others. He loved politics and never had a problem with sharing his thoughts or debating his views. After completing his military career, he dedicated 25 years to Chicago Public Schools. He served faithfully as a security officer, program coordinator, and choreographed “The Other Nutcracker” annually, under the leadership of Dr. Jodi Hood at Mary E. McDowell Elementary School for approximately 15 years. He spent the remaining 10 years of his CPS career as Regional Safety Facilitator in Emergency Planning & Management. After retiring from CPS, Eric transitioned to Rush Hospital Road Home Program as a Community Outreach Coordinator, where he connected veterans and their families to mental health care. In 2003, Eric was ordained as pastor, under the leadership of Bishop Spencer Jones at Southside Tabernacle Church. Pastor Chessier served the Lord faithfully in multiple denominations. Non-denominational: under the tutelage of Bishop Raymond Napper, Hinesville, Georgia; Church of God in Christ, under the tutelage of Bishop Ocie Booker, of 1st Jurisdiction of Illinois, where he served closely as his State Adjutant; Assemblies of God: under the tutelage of Bishop Spencer Jones; Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church: under the tutelage of his cousin, Pastor Shelby Stokes Jr., where Pastor Chessier served as an associate pastor. After much consecration, Pastor Chessier answered the Lord’s call to start Cornerstone Christian Church, where he diligently served with love, compassion and outstanding leadership. He was an encourager and a lover of God’s people, always reminding us to “hold our head up & keep God the head of your life”. His flare with words would resonate in the head of those who were fortunate to witness him speak, causing an effect of unbelievable retention (“it’s in the book”, “smile at the branches”, “It not about the Easter bunny, it’s about Jesus”). Pastor Eric was an exuberant, valiant man who mentored and loved the sheep of Cornerstone Christian Church. On September 30, 2025, God said “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”. After completing his battle, Pastor Eric was called home to rest with Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. Pastor Chessier faithfully shared the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his many ministry outlets which included: With God’s Mighty Love, (Gospel radio personality) Hinesville, Georgia; Sound Doctrine Radio Broadcast: WGBX, Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, he hosted a fiery Facebook Live Bible Study weekly, earning him a huge following. He was a regular theology expert on Talk Time with Trish, Atlanta Georgia. His final outlet was, “In the Book with Pastor Chessier” television broadcast, Atlanta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lena Chessier, Willie “Bill” Stokes, Alice Bradshaw, Harrison Bradshaw. His father also preceded him in death, Earl T. Chessier. He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents Sandra Landrum-Thomas (Harry), his loving and devoted wife, Patricia, children Monique Chantel Chessier, Michelle Chanel Washington (Kenny “Keyz”), and Michael De’von Chessier (Taylor), Erica Lynn Chessier and Jessica Ann Chessier, siblings Earl P. Chessier (Christine), Adrienne Hawthorne, Demond Hawthorne, Tiffany P.A. Brisueno (Tony), Alieana Chessier (Tracy, and mother Pat), and God-brothers Darnell Garner (Sharon) and Cortez Davis. He leaves a legacy of love in the hearts of God-children: Eric Benjamin Weeks, Destiny Holman, Christian and Gabriel Alexander, the McClure Family, Byron Barnes (friend), and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends. In the words of Pastor Chessier, “Sky’s the limit”. Your legacy will continue to live on in all of us. May you rest in eternal peace with your Heavenly Father. Job well done!

Pastor Eric Hildrith Chessier

August 17, 1969 - September 30, 2025