Gwendolyn M. Hester

August 29, 1938 - February 17, 2020

Gwendolyn McCord Hester, 81, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family and close friends. Gwen is preceded in death by her husband, James D. Hester and her parents, Lavone McCord and Helen Pippen; and one brother, Preston Pippen. Gwen is survived by her two sons, Kevin Busby and Timmy (Jennifer) Busby; grandchildren, Kevin James Busby, April Busby Hilbun, Skye Robinson, Tyler Robinson, and Hunter Robinson; great grandchildren, Ivy and Alyssa Hilbun; one sister, Debra Kitchens and a brother, Garland McCord. She is also survived by her constant and loving companion, Sam Chandler and Carmen Mertens, who was her new friend who helped her tremendously and cared for her 24 hours a day for months. Thanks so much! Gwen was a loving mother and a fiercely loyal friend. She will be missed by all her family and many friends. Gwen was a former nurse for Jones County Community Hospital and a scrub nurse for Laurel Clinic for Women. A special thanks to all the ladies at hospice and all others who made her passing so peaceful. Services will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 19th and the service will be on Thursday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. David Hagan will officiate. Pallbearers will be Tim Bass, Denny Caraway, Steve McCraw, Brian Busby, Todd Belk, and Larry Parker. Honorary pallbearers will be Allen Clark and Kevin Ulmer. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.