Nell Hester

Private Graveside service for Nell Hester will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, with Dr. Tom Sikes officiating, burial to follow. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Ms. Nell Hester, age 91, of Meridian departed this earth Friday, May 8, 2020. She was born in Vaughan, Mississippi March 18, 1929 on a family farm to Mary Fisher Vaughan and Reece Vaughan.

Nell lived a life dedicated to serving God, family, and friends with a kind and compassionate spirit. She graduated from Benton High School and Hinds Junior College where she was All-American in basketball and tennis; winning the State Championship and being inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. She was married to Wallace Hester and moved to Meridian, Mississippi. Nell was an active member of Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church where she served as Chairwoman of the Building Committee and taught the Young Adult Sunday School Class for many years. Nell was employed with South Central Bell for many years retiring in management. Nell spent years during the month of May at the Sundown Condominium in Perdido, Florida, entertaining family and friends with wonderful cooking and sharing life lessons. She was an avid gardener and loved entertaining family and friends.

Nell is survived by her son, Tim Hester (DeAnne); three grandchildren, Jeff Hester (Cortni), Abby Hester Ingram (Jamie), and Isabella Hester; four great- grandchildren, Eliza, Jae, Oliver, and Wyatt; sister, Mary Tucker(Brad); a special niece Beth Tartt (Steve); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Reece Vaughan; son, Greg Hester; brothers, Hugh and Bill Vaughan.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer.