Virginia Hester

Virginia Edwards Hester, 100 of Sanford peacefully passed away Friday May 18, 2018.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00pm Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Sanford.

Virginia was born on January 23, 1918, in the small town of Marshville, NC during the Great Depression to Frank M. Edwards and Ethel Liles Edwards. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class as Marshville High School and went on to attend Woman’s College in Greensboro with a degree in Vocational Home Economics and Teachers Certificate in Science, which she put towards her teaching for seven years for the Lee County school system.

There are many ways that Virginia contributed to her community to make it a more beautiful place. One example is her “Landscape Club” which has allowed for her to display an exquisite arrangement of pines, crepe myrtle, azaleas, dogwoods and more, some of which are still there toady and can be found at the old high school on Steele Street in Sanford and Lee Co. High School on Nash St. Her big heart and generosity continues by donating to students in college through the L.B. and Virginia Hester Scholarships, which provide many young individuals the chance to pursue a dream of reaching their educational goals.

Virginia’s faith played a major factor in all her contributions to the community. First Baptist Church, here in Sanford, has been Virginia’s main church home since 1941. For twenty years, she served on the Flower Committee. She was also a Sunday school teacher and Circle Leader for her church family so could help spread love through the world through the Lord.

For 30 years, Virginia and husband L.B. Hester, resided at the La Grange Plantation at Carbonton on the Deep River, where she raised a variety of vegetables and flowers. Virginia and L.B. served several terms together as board members of the Medical Foundation of North Carolina. She remained active with UNCG as an Alumni Board Member, and an active member for the Alumni House Board.

After L.B.’s passing, Virginia soon returned to Sanford where she devoted her time to knitting for her church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry. In addition, she provided after dark transportation for elderly people. Virginia continued to spread her knowledge and love through educational programs and clubs to inspire our young growing generation to become productive citizens in our area.

She was preceded in death by her husband Luther B. Hester, sister, Martha Ellen Edwards,a nephew James P. Wilson Jr., and a niece Helen Clapp Melvin.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Allen L. Clapp and wife Anne of Raleigh NC, Russell A. Williams Jr. and wife Leslie of New Smyrna Beach Fl., Jean W. Watkins of Siler City NC, Jane W. Parrish of Cameron NC, and the children and grandchildren of Jim Wilson and widow Jan, Russ Williams, Jean Watkins, Helen Melvin and widower Donald and Jane Parrish.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church 202 Summit Drive Sanford, NC 27330 or Central Carolina Community College 1105 Kelly Drive Sanford, NC 27330.