Lilla Marie Hester

Lilla Marie Hester passed on July 3, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on June 23, 1942, she was a resident of Gladewater, Texas. Lilla was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Cecil and Allie Jones and was raised in Longview, Texas.

She graduated from Pine Tree High School in 1960. That same year, she married the love of her life, Jody Wayne Hester, and together they shared many wonderful years of marriage while raising three children: daughter, Tina, and sons Terry and Tommy.

Lilla devoted her life to her family as both a loving homemaker and bookkeeper at Dottie Hunt School of Dance, and working alongside her husband at Hester Construction Company for more than 42 years. She enjoyed spending her free time gardening, mowing the yard, and attending antique car shows.

Above all else, Lilla was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose greatest joy was her family. She will always be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering love, and the way she consistently put her family first.

Lilla was preceded in death by her husband, Jody Wayne Hester, and her two sons, Terry Wayne and Tommy Joe Hester.

She is survived by her: daughter, Tina Marie Strickland and her husband, Allen; granddaughter, Jodi Elizabeth Hicks and husband Zach; granddaughter, Emmie Moon Hester; grandson, Wayne Riggs Hester; brother, Cecil A. Jones; brother John D. Jones and wife Chayton; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their love and gratitude to the staff at Hawkins Creek Assisted Living, especially Casey, Natalie and K.K.

A special thank you to Holly Greer for all of her love and support throughout the years.