Mrs. Hester Lee Smith

Going Home Celebration For Hester Lee Smith: Hester Lee Smith was born February 7, 1924, in Andalusia, Alabama, to the marital union of Dorcas and Jessie Amos Hodges. She was the youngest of three children, Titus Lee, Virta Lee and Hester Lee. As a child, Hester was an excellent student, excelling in math, a talent she carried into adulthood. She attended Mason High School in Mason, Alabama, and was baptized by the Reverend Ed Nearer of Marietta Baptist Church. Hester was a member of Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Seeking opportunities in the north, Hester moved from Alabama to Detroit in 1943, bringing her only daughter, Melvenia, with her. After settling in Detroit, Hester married Roosevelt Smith, and they made their permanent home on 28th Street. She possessed a hard-working entrepreneurial spirit that was exhibited as a small business owner on Michigan Avenue in the 1960’s. After working many years in the restaurant industry, Hester retired from the Detroit Athletic Club in the 1980’s. Hester or Ma Smith, was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, neighbor, and friend, to many people throughout her life. Over the years many family members, friends and neighbors found a loving home in the Smith household. Anything that she had, whether her time, cooking and food, money, a place to live, care for children, or honest advice and her opinion on any topic, was given without pretense. Hester had a sharp sense of humor and you never knew when to expect a good laugh during every conversation. There was never a thing left unsaid that needed to be said, and she never left a thing undone that needed to be done. She looked out for those she loved, cared for the sick, provided for those in need, and watched over happenings in the neighborhood. Hester had a gift for growing anything green, she cared for animals, and loved to garden. After a long illness Hester Lee Smith departed this life to claim her eternal glory on December 26, 2014. She spent Christmas and days prior enjoying time with loving family, most closely with her sister, Virta who lovingly cared for her during the last few years of her life. Two weeks before her passing, Hester introspectively remarked, “I have lived a good, long life.” She knew how to live well, in any circumstances, with little or with much. She always had an open door and loving heart.

Mrs. Hester Lee Smith

February 7, 1924 - December 26, 2014