Obituary of Harriette W. Hester

Warner Robins, Georgia – Harriette W. Hester, 83, went home to be with her personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 5, 2023. A funeral service honoring the life of Harriette will be held at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 11 AM.  Immediately following the service, Harriette will be laid to rest at Antioch Baptist Church in Abbeville, Georgia. A visitation with family and friends will be held Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. 

Harriette was born on February 19, 1940 to the late Susie Wilson Wilcox and Morris Wilcox in Abbeville, Georgia. Harriette was a woman full of life and had a heart for serving others. She served as a volunteer for Miller Elementary and Westside Elementary. She worked in the funeral ministry for over twenty-five years where she impacted thousands of lives, including those she worked with. 

Harriette was an employee of Heritage Memorial Funeral Home where she served in many different roles and assisted families in their time of need. She loved those she worked with just as much as her own family and she would always tell her coworkers that she loved them before leaving. On Saturday mornings, she could be found in the employee lounge cooking a breakfast, which always included her homemade biscuits. Harriette was a very wise woman. She was a shining example for serving and putting others first. While it is difficult to say goodbye to one of our friends, we take the wisdom she gifted to us all; be selfless, be faith driven, to serve others, and always share a smile. Ms. Harriette will live within our hearts forever and we rejoice knowing that she is now in the arms of Jesus having no more pain. 

When Harriette was not working, she enjoyed gardening. Her home was known for her beautiful yard and flowers. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking and would make what seemed to be the world’s best coleslaw and banana pudding for local organizations and first responders to enjoy. Harriette truly understood the meaning of family and the deep love she had for hers was unimaginable. She was the family advocate for countless years for the family reunion and this year was no exception. Harriette was able to attend her final family reunion in a reclining bed surrounded by her loved ones and enjoyed every minute of it. 

While, Harriette loved people and her family and had a heart for service, nothing compares to the love she had for her savior, Jesus Christ. Harriette loved the Lord with all of her heart, soul, mind, and all of her strength as Mark 12: 20-31 commands. She also loved thy neighbor as herself as Matthew 22:39 teaches. She was unashamed of her faith and was a huge advocate for Southside Baptist Church. Harriette exemplified of what it meant to be a God-fearing woman. 

Harriette will forever be remembered as a loving mother, Mema, aunt, and friend to countless individuals. 

In addition to her parents, there waiting for her at the gates of heaven with open arms was her beloved brother, John Hiram; and sister, Becky Gordon. Once welcomed, the family brought Harriette to the greatest reunion of all to see Jesus face to face. 
Left to cherish the beautiful memory of Harriette is her beloved daughter, Janet Dominy; David Hester (Linda), and Judy Jordan (Bo); grandchildren: her “little man” Will Jordan, her “Kaylee bug” Kaylee Jordan, and her strong John Michael “Jayden”; and brother, George Wilcox (Shirley). She is also survived by a host of many extended family members, including nieces and nephews and several friends.

The family would like to express their warm gratitude to the staff at Gentiva Hospice for the love, compassion, and care they expressed over the last several months. 

Please go to www.heritagememorialfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook and to leave a condolence for the family. 

It is with great honor Heritage Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with our beloved friend's arrangements, Ms. Harriette Hester.