Vivian Hester

Vivian Ann Hickman Hester, age 86, of Bladenboro died on May 16, 2020 at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Ennis Hester, and her parents, George and Lura Hickman. She leaves behind her children: Cheryl (Ricky) Walters of Bladenboro, Sandra (Sammy) Singletary of Bladenboro, David Earl (Yvonne) Hester of Bladenboro, Angie (J.W.) Lawson of Orrum, NC and Richard (Judith) Hester of Rowland, NC. She will be missed by her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Many years ago, 72 years to be exact, Ennis and Vivian caught each other’s eye at church. The twinkle in their eyes soon changes to sparks and before long they were married. About a year and a half later, babies started coming, one at a time---Cheryl, Sandra, Earl, Angie, and Ricky.

Ennis and Vivian loved every one of those children! They promised the Lord that they would do all they could to keep every one of the children full, warm, dry, and above all, loved. They may have missed the mark sometimes, but it wasn’t because they didn’t care or didn’t try to do their best! They weren’t saints and didn’t pretend to be, but their lives singularly and together displayed love for the Lord, and friendship and respect for each other and for others. There was lots of working together in this family. There was lots of laughter, lots of good food, lots of remembering who and what had come before us. Ennis and Vivian had a great impact on who and what each of their children became! They were proud of every one! They accepted each child’s spouse and loved them. And boy were they pleased and proud of each grandchild and great-grandchild as they arrived!!!

Vivian loved her church, Zion Hill Baptist, where she was an active member until her health prevented it. She taught an adult ladies Sunday School class and helped in the kitchen for many functions. She laughed easily and loved people. She was known as a top-notch cook and loved to bake especially cakes which she often sold. She was loyal to her family, acting as a caregiver for many years to both of her parents and her in-laws.

Vivian loved her husband, Ennis, and was a caregiver for him after his health deteriorated. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved coming to “Nana’s” house because she always had good things to eat and she liked sending goodies home with them for eating later. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and neighbors.

If Vivian could speak to us today, I believe she would say this: Pick up the pieces and keep going. Love each other. Help each other. Accept each other and other people as they are. Encourage each other. Do your best. And remember that the Lord loves you and so does your dad and mom!!!

A private graveside service will be held on Monday, May 18, 2020.