Mrs. Blondy Jean Hester

I was born in Detroit, MI to Squire and Rose Emma Burris on July 28, 1937. I was the oldest of 6 children. My sisters and brothers: Burnnie Burris Minor, Lavender (Sonny), Detreich (Dee Dee), Aczoria (Zora) and Lycester (Cessie) like my parents, all preceded me in completing life’s journey. I was baptized at an early age and was involved in various youth ministries. As an adult I attended New Light Missionary Baptist Church. There I served on the usher board and was a Matron. In the early 1970’s I joined New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church where I served as a Sunday school teacher; on the Courtesy Ministry, the Quilting Ministry and in 2000 I was the General Chairlady of the Women’s Day Program. Additionally, I served as a Trustee under the leadership of Pastor Wilma R. Johnson and remained an active and faithful member until my health prevented me from doing so. I was educated in the Detroit Public School system, attending Maybee Elementary and Dwyer Jr. High. Education was always very important to me; I graduated from Northern High School a year early, in 1954. In the years that followed I continued my education earning my Associates Degree from Wayne County Community College in 1976; my Bachelor’s Degree in 1987 and my Master’s Degree in 1994, both from Wayne State University while overcoming various obstacles and never giving up. I was employed by Detroit Public Schools as a secretary for 20 years. I had always dreamed of becoming an English teacher and even though it was a “dream deferred” I did teach for the last 15 years of my career, retiring in 2002. I was married to the love of my life Odis Hester for over 59 years. We were married on April 26, 1958. We were blessed with three wonderful children; Vernard, Roselyn and Patrick of whom we are very proud. They never gave us any trouble or serious worry, but always showed us love and respect, caring for us particularly as we advanced in years. In my leisure time I loved shopping, cooking, travelling, reading and writing. I have enjoyed being a member of the Northern High school reunion planning committee since 1974, and I looked forward to the activities and outings with Dwyer alumni. However, my greatest joys came from spending time with family, especially my grandchildren. I have worked on several political campaigns and was active in various community organizations: I had the honor of serving as the 1995 Co-Chair of the NAACP Fight Freedom Fund Dinner; NAACP 1991-92 board member; Wayne State University board member; president of Optimist Club of New Prospect; a member of The Coalition of 100 Black Women; founder and queen of the Diamond Dames Red Hat Society and a member of Toastmasters. Although I have received a number of honors and awards, my greatest recognition was being honored as a Mother of the Year in 1997 by former Wayne County Clerk Teola P. Hunter. I leave to cherish our memories my loving and supportive husband Odis; and to carry on my legacy I leave my children: Vernard (Roslyn) Hester, Roselyn (Dion) Traylor, Sr. and Patrick (Monica) Hester; seven grandchildren: Marcus, Kelley and Brian Hester; Dennetta Harris and Dion Traylor; and Timythi and Gabriellajean Hester; one great-grandson Princeton Harris. I also leave to cherish my memory 5 sisters-in-law Leola Harris, Gwen Hester, Regina (Guy) Glimp, Cynthia (John) Pringle, and Joyce Lindsey; 3 brothers-in-law; Kevin (Regina) Hester, Phillip (Marcie) Hester, and Christopher (Mary) Hester, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Blondy Jean Hester

July 28, 1937 - November 6, 2017