Grace Hester, age 91, passed away Oct. 15. She had lived her entire life in Franklin County, primarily in the Belgreen Community.

The visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Spry Memorial Chapel in Russellville. The funeral was held at 1 p.m. Oct. 17, with the body lying in state from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Officiating was Bro. Jackie Richardson. Interment was at Belgreen Cemetery.

Grace was a devoted member of the Belgreen church of Christ. She loved the Lord and her church family. Proverbs 6:20-22 says, “Forsake not your mother’s teachings. Bind them in your heart always. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake, they will walk with you.”

Grace was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, John B. Hester Jr. Also preceding her were her parents, Jimmy and Mable Hamilton; siblings, Earl Hamilton, Christine Peck, Glenn Hamilton, Van Hamilton and Gene Hamilton; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Hester; niece, Judy Gates; great-grandson, Kylan Hester; nephews, Ricky “Moe” Hamilton and Randy Hamilton; and sister-in-law, Ruby Jean Hamilton.

Grace worked in the family grocery store in Belgreen for many years and was a homemaker.  She worked for the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C., during World War II as well as at Rockwood Limestone, which was converted into a munitions factory during World War II.  She also served as a substitute teacher at Belgreen High School and was a poll worker at the Belgreen voting box from 1948 to well past 2000.

Grace was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Radford and wife Connie Hester of East Franklin, Johnny Hester and Richie and wife Amy Hester of Belgreen; her cherished grandchildren, Shane Hester of Birmingham, Dr. Leigh Hester of Rogersville, Joby Hester of Belgreen, Dr. Gabriel Hester and wife Lauren of Birmingham, Dean Hester and wife Amy of Athens, Maggie Adams and husband Justin of Tuscumbia, Asia Hester of Huntsville, Eric Hester of Tuscaloosa, Colt Hester of Nashville and Abby Hester and Layla Hester of Belgreen. She also leaves her cherished great-grandchild, Nash Adams of Tuscumbia, and cherished step-great grandchildren, Dylan and Abby Staggs of Athens.

She is also survived by niece, Shelia Malone; nephews, Jerry Peck, Brian Hamilton and Greg Hamilton; sister-in-law, Brenda Hamilton; as well as many other cousins and family members.

The pallbearers were Gerald Hester, Jack Hester, Greg Hamilton, Norris Sparks, Brian Hamilton, Donald King, Cleophis King and Troy King.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Ardmore Health and Rehab, for their loving care over the last four years and two months, and also the Belgreen church of Christ family and all the family, friends and relatives who came by for visits, sent cards or called or offered prayers.

Grace had a wonderful life. “Be thou faithful into death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  Revelations 2:10.