Esther E. Smothers

Born on April 14, 1906 to her parents George and Daisy (Laney) Thomas in Monroe, North Carolina. Esther accepted Christ at an early age and moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1919 upon the death of her parents. She joined the Bethany Baptist Church family that same year. Esther was a graduate of Central High School in Columbus.

She later married Jimmie Hawkins and that union produced two daughters, Hazelene and Florence-Marie. Esther retired as a supervisor from the Ohio Department of Workers Compensation in 1976. Esther worked tirelessly in her church, holding numerous offices but none as dear to her heart as the office of Deaconess and Church Mother. Esther also served in the EUMBA and OBGC; holding various positions until illness touched her body.

Even at the tender age of 100, she could often be found visiting the sick of the church and doing whatever she could to serve her beloved church family. When the death angel took both daughters, she and husband, David Smothers, raised their beloved grandchildren.

Esther will be truly missed by her church family and community. Esther is preceded in death by parents; George and Daisy (Laney) Thomas; husband, David K. Smothers, Sr.; son, David K. Smothers, Jr.; and daughters, Hazelene Hawkins and Florence-Marie Simmons. She is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Richard, Michelle, and Michael; great-grandchildren; Kapreisha, Takizia, DeAudria, and Toriano; niece, Gladys; the Bethany Baptist Church family; the Wexner Heritage House Community; and a host of family and friends.