But the narrative function of this detail goes beyond simple explanation.

It is the mechanism by which the story achieves its resolution: a closed case is reopened, a buried body is exhumed, a living woman is returned to the world.

The sister is also, significantly, not named in any of the accounts that have been identified.

She is simply “Essie’s sister” — a structural element in the story rather than an identified historical person.

This anonymity is consistent with the generally sparse documentation of the entire account, but it does mean that the person most central to the alleged miracle cannot be independently verified or sought out for testimony.