Deacon Johnny Lee Hester

DEACON JOHNNY L. HESTER On November 13, 1941, Johnny Lee Hester—the fifth of eight children (six daughters and two sons) was born to Willie James Hester, Sr. and Earline Beckum Hester in Sebring, Florida. From an early age, Johnny excelled as a scholar at E. O. Douglas from first to twelfth grades. He matriculated at Florida A&M University and received both of his degrees—a Bachelor of Science (1963) and a Master of Education in History (1970). He was also a graduate of the International Seminary in Plymouth, Florida with a degree in Religion and Christian Education. As the patriarch of the Hester family, he was gifted with a photostatic memory and recall of scriptures, specific names, dates, birthdays, special events, family happenings and directions. He was affectionately called “Daniel Boone.” John was a “no non-sense” man who loved God, his family, friends and good food. Johnny’s first teaching position began in Highland’s County at Hopewell Elementary School in Avon Park, Florida. Later he taught at his alma mater—E. O. Douglas High School for 7 years. In 1970, he attained a teaching position with Orange County Public Schools and taught History at Winter Park Junior High School. During his 23–year tenure, Johnny taught History at Conway Middle School in Orlando where he impacted the lives of students. His last position was working with DCF – State of Florida for 12 years upon which he retired in 2005. On August 4,1973 at Malone Memorial Church of God in Christ, Johnny and Margarett Loman were joined in Holy Matrimony. In 1971, he joined Malone Memorial Church of God in Christ and served faithfully under the leadership of Bishop Melton L. Sconiers. He dedicated his life to the work of the Lord and was ordained to the office of Deacon. Deacon Hester was a lover of God’s Word and gospel music—mainly choir songs and hymns of the church. He was a tenor who sang in the Mass/Combined Choirs for 40 years and served as the Youth Choir advisor. Deacon Hester lived an exemplary life as a servant and church leader. For 17 years, he was a member of New Life Church of Orlando under Bishop Derrick W. Hutchins. With a sincere desire to do a greater work for the Lord, Deacon Hester obeyed the Lord and founded Community Fellowship COGIC and worked faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Mildred Loman Eason. As a man of integrity, he was appointed as Chairman of the Finance Committee. Even though he was faced with some physical challenges, he endured his afflictions as a “good soldier.” His love, witness, testimony, strong convictions and devotion remained steadfast to the end. Regardless of how severe the pains may have been, Johnny never complained. On Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 8:03 a.m., Deacon Hester answered God’s call to rest from his earthly labor. He will be missed by his loving family and devoted longtime friends. Deacon Hester’s footsteps were truly ordered by the Lord. Cherished memories will forever live in the hearts of his loving wife of 46 years—Margarett Loman Hester; devoted son: Jeighson L. Hester, Orlando; loving daughter: Jhenese L. Hester, Atlanta; six endeared sisters: Rutha M. Adams, Virginia (Moses) McRae, Avon Park, Mary J. Smith, Apopka, Shirlene (Simon) Whetstone, Minnie L. Matthews and Earline (Larry) Calhoun, all of Orlando; special nieces and nephews: Marilyn, Barbara, Cheryl, Fred, Deitrice, Linda Faye, Sharon, Jimmie, Jeremy, Stacey, Davita, Leon, Jeffrey Keith, LaJuan, LaVette, Jon, Shawn, Michelle, Robyn; other loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great-nephews, great-great grand nieces and nephews, godchildren: Karen (Archie) Sims-Williams, Serena Williams, Matthew Gray, Jackie Lamar, a host of longtime friends, classmates, co-workers and Community Fellowship Church family.

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Deacon Johnny Lee Hester

November 13, 1941 - July 13, 2019