Ettaree Hester

Ettaree Taylor Hester, 83, of Bladenboro went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 9, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gaston Taylor and Ida Belle Roberts Taylor, her husband Ernest Hester, siblings: Malvern, Alward Larson, Van Douglas, Lewis, Sophia, Shepard, Donald, and Lorena. Ettaree leaves behind one sister, Almeda Singletary of Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.

A lifelong learner, Ettaree loved studying about new passions.  Her entrepreneurial efforts led to success as a florist and as an antique dealer.  She enjoyed sharing her knowledge and skills with others, often serving as a mentor to others and teaching classes at the local community college.  Her multi-faceted career included retail management with Family Dollar Stores and a brief career with Smithfield Foods.

Using her amazing creative instincts, she loved quilting, gardening, painting, and refinishing furniture. She took great pride in the work she and her husband of more than 60 years accomplished in refurbishing his family’s home place.  Her artwork and murals decorate the home throughout.  She spent many hours in genealogical research, compiling numerous family historical documents and contributing to research conducted by others.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 3:00 pm in the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Bladenboro with Rev. Warren Hill officiating. All attendees are respectfully asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Memorial gifts may be made in her memory to Zion Hill Baptist Church, Bladenboro, NC 28320.