Joseph Hester

Joseph Ferris Hester of Bladenboro, North Carolina went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 19. Mr. Hester was born in Bladenboro on February 4, 1942 to Ferris Hester and Vivian Singletary Hester. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Hester White and his special kitty, Dempsey.

Joe leaves behind his beloved wife of over 56 years, Frances Kinlaw Hester. He is also survived by his sister, Jan Hester Maynor of Lumberton; nieces, Lynn Smith Settlemeyer of Leland and Jessica White Schmale (DJ) of Elizabethtown, great nephews: Andrew Settlemeyer and Colton Schmale and great niece, Julia Flowers as well as many friends and dear ones.

Joe graduated from Bladenboro High School and Pembroke State University. He also served in the United States Coast Guard. He and his wife both dedicated their careers in diplomatic service to their country through the US Department of State. Their careers included service tours in several African countries, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Brussels, Moscow and St. Petersburg.

He will forever be remembered by all who knew him for his generous heart and his genuine concern for others. His heart held a special love for four legged friends and he leaves behind Angel and Samantha (Bug), his beautiful cats.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM with funeral services beginning at 3:00 PM at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

Joe leaves a legacy of care and generosity. In keeping with that we ask that you consider a donation to A Shelter Friend (animal shelter) PO Box 2983, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 or a charity of your choice.

Our hearts are broken and our lives are changed forever.  But we take great comfort in every kind and thoughtful deed and gift you have given us.  We thank our Heavenly Father for the support you have bestowed upon us.    We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. The family of Joe Hester