Funeral services were held Saturday, December 27, 2014, at Johnson Funeral Home Chapel for Mrs. Helen Ard Hester, age 82, who died Monday, December 22, at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson. Interment followed in the Griffith Cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Helen Hester was born to the late Monk and Doretha Hall Ard. She was known as Heloise to her classmates and was a graduate of Prentiss Normal and Industrial Institute where she met her husband, Milton Hester. She was a member of Friendship M.B. Church in El Paso, Texas, where she served as missionary, usher board, adult choir and was director for the youth choir. She also was a volunteer at the Fort Bliss Military Base and was recognized for volunteer service.

She is survived by sons, Henry L. (Janette) Hester of Jackson, Ricardo Hester of El Paso, TX, and Kenneth (Brenda) Hester of Snellville, GA; daughter, Monique Hester of Prentiss; sister, Mae Francis Newsome of Prentiss; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; special friends, Coleman and Louise Marsh; and many other relatives and friends.