Hester Hogan Stallings

A longtime member of the Carolina Pines Golf and Country Club, Hester was an accomplished golfer, proudly winning seven Women’s Championship titles during her years there. Beyond the greens, she had a deep love for beauty in all its forms. She delighted in shopping, interior design, and fashion, and had a special talent for making everything around her elegant and welcoming. Known for her creativity, Hester even invented “dressy sweats” in the 1980s, blending comfort with style long before it became fashionable.

Hester also had a lifelong passion for flowers and gardening. She especially loved knock-out roses and took great pride in her home’s landscaping, which reflected her eye for detail and love of color and life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Stallings, Jr. Hester is survived by her daughter, Jenifer S. Utz of New Bern; her sons, Patrick McCullough of the Philippines and James Stallings III of New Bern; her sister, Hetty Christensen of Naples, Florida; her grandchildren, Darcy Claire Welsh, Addison Elizabeth Utz, Brandi Hooks, Jonathan McCullough, Christopher McCullough, and Aspen Stallings; her great-grandchildren, Rhett Hooks and Ryder Hooks; and several cherished nieces and nephews.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date. Hester will be entombed at Forest Oaks Memorial Gardens in Havelock.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Hester Hogan Stallings.