Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Wilson — Frances Overman Hester passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024, with her children by her side. It brought to closure a beautiful life of family, church, civic and professional service. She was born July 2, 1925 to John C. and Maude Overman in Middlesex and was the middle of seven children. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joe and JC and sisters, Virginia, Pauline. Mary and Lelia. 

When others graduated from high school after 11 years, she decided to continue her education when grade 12 was added. Shortly after graduation, during a visit to Wilson she met the love of her life, a young sailor, David Hester and after three days accepted an engagement ring. While he returned to his duty she moved to Washington, DC where she worked in the Department for Disbursements for The Department of the Treasury. They were married in March 1944 prior to his deployment and upon his military completion began their life together for 68 years in Wilson. After a few years of working at the Perry Agency she continued her career as the records clerk for the Wilson Police Department until her retirement. She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and volunteered for The Wesley Shelter, Meals on Wheels, and AARP Outreach. Upon retirement, David and Frances moved to their dream home (Tuckaway) on the Pamlico River in Bath, until her move to The Landing at Parkwood in 2014 following the death of David in 2012. There she continued to enjoy her love for Bridge and Bingo and frequent outings to plays, movies, restaurants and special events and the loving attention given by her caregivers from The Sunshine Agency, Tina, Ciara, Marlo, Pat, Pam, Ruth, and Janeth. 

She is survived by her four loving children, Phil Hester (Karen) of Garden Grove, California; Susan Hester Peele (Charles) of Asheville, Madeline Hester of Wilson; Melissa Hester of Stantonsburg; grandchildren Allen Peele, Jennifer Peele, Chapman Hester, Bert Allbrook, Alice McLaughlin, JD Langley, Brian Woods and Allen Woods; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Marin Peele, Elliott and Caroline Pace, Connor Allsbrook, Campbell Soyars, Dalton Scott, and Jeb Langley, and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2024, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 612 Vance Street NE, Wilson. Interment will follow in Hollywood Cemetery, Middlesex. Chaplain Gregory K. Williamson and Vicker Timothy Thompson will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Hospice of Wilson, 1901 Tarboro St SW Suite 301, Wilson, North Carolina 27893 or the charity of your choice. 

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.