Mary Frances Hester passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Nashville, AR on February 14, just five weeks before her 89th birthday.  The daughter of Bill & Mae Hunter, Frances was born and raised in Paducah, KY.  She met a boy named Bill Hester in grade school, and they ultimately married in 1952.  They spent the next 58 years loving and blessing each other before Bill's passing.  Two beautiful daughters, Tricia and Bernice, were born along the way.  Together as a family they have loved and blessed an incredible number of people over the years with their kindness, generosity, hospitality and joyful spirit.

Frances was a devoted follower of Jesus and that informed every aspect of her life.  She was seemingly tireless in serving others....whether it was visiting the sick, sending notes of encouragement, providing meals and other help to those in difficult circumstances, hosting meals and fun gatherings in her home for friends, newcomers and/or strangers, providing a home for foster children and unwed mothers, or simply just sharing her gentle spirit in a conversation.  Beginning in the 1950's Bill and Frances were always active leaders wherever they worshipped, which over the years included the Raleigh, Brownsville Road and Oliver Creek Churches of Christ.  They were instrumental in helping establish the Brownsville Road (1971) and Oliver Creek (2007) congregations.  Bill was often in a leadership role as a deacon or elder, and Frances faithfully supported him in those responsibilities.  She felt an obligation to teach others about Jesus and did so in various ways including mission trips, World Bible School, ladies' Bible classes, and teaching her 5th/6th grade girls' class for over 40 years.  Of course, Frances was also a devoted wife and mother who modeled Christ for her family.  She was truly a woman of noble character as described in Proverbs 31:10-31.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband Bill, oldest daughter Tricia Lillard, and nephew Bruce Hunter.  She leaves behind her daughter Bernice Jamison (James), son-in-law Randy Lillard, brother James Hunter (Vangie), niece Linda Crosswhite (Russ), seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, along with a host of dear friends.

A service to celebrate her wonderful life will take place at the Oliver Creek Church of Christ in Bartlett, TN on Saturday, February 17, at 2 p.m. There will be a time for visitation and viewing at Forest Hill-East Funeral Home on Sunday, February 18 , from 1:30-3 p.m. , followed by a brief graveside service.  In light of their 40+ year association with Agape Child & Family Services, the family asks that memorial gifts be sent to Agape in lieu of flowers.