Catherine Naef Hester

Catherine was born in Jackson, MS on July 12th, 1929, to Laura and Robert William Naef Sr. She attended Central High School and graduated from Newcomb College in New Orleans with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts. She married John Floy Hester in 1951 and together they had five children.

Catherine’s early years of family life were busy raising her five children. Her love of children lead her to employment teaching kindergarten and later working at Jackson Academy with the lunch bunch and after school care well into her 80’ s. Catherine impacted the lives of many children in her care and as a result they came to visit her by a bus load at The Orchard after her retirement. Throughout her life she spent countless hours involved in her children’s many activities as organizer, leader or helper, for swim meets, Jackson Ballet Guild, piano and guitar lessons along with baseball and football games and practices. She loved cooking and sharing her love of food her entire life including making cheese wafers for friends and staff at The Orchard for Christmas. Catherine was also happily employed by the Diet Center for over 10 years helping clients as she always had an interest in health and nutrition.

Catherine was an involved member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral until she was no longer able to drive but continued enjoying services at The Orchard.

Watercolor painting was a joy in Catherine’s life where she took lessons and gathered with other artist friends. This led to participating in community art shows and sharing her art as gifts. Along with art she was an avid book reader and lover of all music.

Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, Laura Loflin Naef and Robert William Naef Sr., her brothers Charles Alexander Naef (Patty), Richard Wick Naef (Jane Ellen), Robert William Naef Jr, Thomas Edward Naef, a sister Roberta Naef Selah (Bill) and her son, Alan Scott Hester.

Survivors include daughters Catherine “Missy” Brown (Walter) of Natchez, Ann Barrow (John) of Laurel, Susan Tinney (Randy) of Brandon, son John Fritz Hester of Nunnelly, TN., and her sister-in-law, Myra Naef of Flowood. She was our beloved “Mimi” to 12 grandchildren, 6 bonus grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and expecting 2 more in early 2026.

Funeral Services will be held at Parkway Funeral Home Ridgeland, MS on Sunday, January 4th at 1:30pm. Visitation for Catherine Naef Hester will be held from 12:30pm -1:30pm January 4th.

Memorial donations may be made in Catherine’s name to a charity of your choice. Family would like to thank special friends and family members who helped Catherine through her later years. She loved being active socially when possible.