Jeighson "JAKO" Hester

JEIGHSON "JAKO" LeMOYNE HESTER, beloved son of Deacon Johnny L. Hester and Mrs. Margarett Loman Hester, was born on March 17, 1977 in Orlando, Florida. Without question his debut into this world brought so much joy as the first-born son in his family, and later was the older brother to his only sister, Jhenense LaToiya Hester. Jeighson was raised in a loving home where he was taught how to love God, obey his loved ones, respect adults-especially all of the senior saints, his teachers and other relatives on both sides of the Hester and Loman families. Upon the founding of The Orlando Chapter of the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop Choir in 1975, Jeighson's mother became the Chapter's first Minister of Music. While Margarett was carrying her first LEGACY child, the GMWA Choir gained notoriety as anointed and gifted minstrels who traveled and sang in various churches, for special events and musical concerts throughout Florida and in various cities which hosted the Annual GMWA National Conventions. After Jeighson was born, he became known as The GMWA "Baby." Everyone loved this young active boy. Besides sucking his two fingers, his pastime was making loud noises while listening to music in his playroom...sometimes he fell asleep in that private space From an early age, certain musical gifts were nurtured and passed down from his African musical ancestors. Early on, he began using his mom's aluminum pie pans as his drums, long pieces of wood as drum sticks and pots as his drums. When the family would get together at various dinners, Jeighson would beat on these musical instruments. As Jeighson grew older, his parents enrolled him in drum-beating classes. He developed a love for the drums—a full set. Soon he was able to keep up with the fast diverse rhythmic songs and soul-stirring playing by his aunt, Mother Mildred Loman Eason. When his cousin, Fred Adams, egan courting and stopper eine the church drummer, Jeighson stepped in and began his record of faithful stewardship and faithfulness at Malone Memorial Church of God in Christ. As the years passed on and his devotion increased unto to God and to his godfather-Bishop Melton Lewis Sconiers-Teighson began receiving a "small love token" with the directive that he had to come to the rehearsals... and he did that. Jeighson loved "GOOD" church, eating plenty of good food, watching wrestling, plaving soccer, swimming and playing in West Orange High School's Gospel Choir. He spent so much of his time hanging with his cousins Jimmie B., Jeremy and some other cousins. He enioved eating the food that his paternal and maternal grandparents would prepare for the holidays,, birthdays and other events. He attended kindergarten, elementary, private, high school and graduated from West Orange High School. For two consecutive years, Jeighson was awarded honors for having Perfect Attendance at school. He attracted unto himself special and longtime friends who kept their strong relationships real and genuine. In 2012, Deacon Johnny and Missionary Margarett Hester obeyed the Lord and founded the Community Fellowship Church of God in Christ. The success and growth of this church required the muscles of some dutiful young men--Jeighson, Shawn, Dave and Avante would come to church early on Saturday evenings and set up the area which was used for Morning Worship Services. After graduating from high school in Orange County Public Schools Dual Enrolled Small Gas Engines Program offered at Westside Tech and Mid-Florida Tech Security Guard Training Program, Jeighson was employed for several years, but his dream was to work fulltime professionally in the music industry. In 2014, an unfortunate injury to his Dad resulted in Johnny becoming paralyzed. With the assistance of the doctors, nurses, medical professionals, his dad accepted a new phase in his physical mobility. Jeighson helped his dad with his mobility issues. After the demise of his Pastor and beloved aunt, Mother Mildred Loman Eason in June 2019 and his dad in July 2019, the Pandemic swept through and resulted in and our every day lives turned upside down, Jeighson began to focus his attention toward pursuing his music industry As opportunities for him to play along with some of the country's great musicians, Jeighson was attacked with diabetes. In spite of the vicissitudes of life, Jeighson's health was greatly affected. One of the most important opportunities ever presented to Jeighson was for him to join the musical bands which played on various cruise ships. Due to his health, Jeighson dream never came into fruition. We offer thanks for the many great and special memories he has left with us. He shall be greatly missed. On Wednesday, February 19, 2026 at 4:07 surrounded by his mother, sister and Uncle Dale, Jeighson transitioned from his earthly labor to his eternal reward. A Rich Legacy and Musicology will forever be cherished by-his devoted Mother, Mrs. Margarett Loman Hester, Orlando; gifted Sister: Ms. Jhenese LaToiya Hester, Atlanta, Mrs. Rutha Adams, Mrs. Virginia (Billie) McRae; Mary Jean Smith; Mrs. Shirlene (Simon) Whetstone, Mrs. Minnie Matthews, Mrs. Earlene (Larry) Calhoun; Mrs. Ann L. Smith; uncle: C. Earl Linda) Loman; godmother: Mrs. Doretha P. Lingo; cousins: McRaes, Lomans, Easons, Nietos; Steele/Bowens; E. Dale Stafford, Vertellis Kendrick, Todd Thorpe special cousins: Jeremy Smith, Shawn Loman, Leon Matthews II, C. LaJuan Ádams, Stephanie (Marcus) A. Nieto, Robert Hester, Lexx Marshall, Chris Marshall, Ida LaVette (Bishop Alva) Harris; Mr. Ronald (Bettye) Griffin, Jon L Eason: godbrothers: Johnnie (Rena) Lingo, Ir. William (Marveen) Tefferson. Toe Lingo, Tekeavias Byrd, oodsisters: Karen Sims-Williams, Sabrina (Donald) Ramos Sandra Sims, Dena Lingo; Apostle W. J. Steele, Prayer Warriors, neighbors, longtime family friends- Marva J. Reid, Yvonne Steele, Judith Yvette (Chris) Clark, Lola Knight, Prophetess Barbara Gaines; Trae Holley, Barbara Holley, Lorraine Chavis; Sharon L. Bell, Krystal Brown, Eddie Watkins, Roosevelt Parker, Derrick "Hott-Soss" Cumings, Andre Eady, Mozell Flemings and each person who helped Jeighson through your many kind acts.

Tributes

Jeighson "JAKO" Hester

March 17, 1977 - February 19, 2026