Mary Jane Freeman Hester

Mary Jane Freeman Hester, age 93, of Bladenboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 26th, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on July 24, 1932, in Bladenboro, NC, Mary Jane was the third child of Grad and Daisy Freeman. She grew up in the close-knit community near Galeed Baptist Church, where her faith would become a guiding foundation throughout her life.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Graham Hester, and her siblings, Hilda Jordan, Betty Lennon, and Grady Freeman.

Together, she and Graham built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They shared a love for gardening, spending summers tending their crops and filling freezers with the fruits of their labor. In quieter moments, you could find Mary Jane enjoying the beauty of Sunset Beach or joining her husband on the water in the fall, casting nets side by side.

She dedicated 30 years of service to Bladen County Schools, working both at Bladenboro Primary School and Bladenboro High School, where she touched the lives of many students and colleagues.

Mary Jane also treasured time spent making memories with her family. She enjoyed countless trips together—visiting Disney and Dollywood, cheering on NC State football, relaxing at the beach, traveling to Florida, and spending time in the North Carolina mountains. These moments brought her great joy and created lasting memories for all who shared them.

Mary Jane’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her four children: Wayne Hester (Genia), Deryl Hester (Mary Kaye), Sharon Hester, and Crystal Snyder (Tim); her grandchildren, Stephen Hester (Lexie), Noele Hester, Mary Kathryn Shepherd (Kyle), Mackenzie Snyder, Landon Snyder, Kendall Snyder, and Khloey Snyder; her great-grandchildren, Brenna and Bella Hester, Rhett and Emmy Shepherd; her oldest sister, Doris Clark, and her many nieces and nephews.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought a special sparkle to her beautiful blue eyes and filled her life with deep joy and purpose.

A devoted member of Galeed Baptist Church, Mary Jane faithfully served as a Vacation Bible School director, taught Sunday School, and treasured her time with the Women’s Missionary Union. She instilled in her family a love for God and a heart for worship, often leading them in songs of praise.

Mary Jane will be remembered for her warm smile, joyful laughter, and strong work ethic. While her presence will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the promise that this is not goodbye, but “see you again,” as they look forward to being reunited one day.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Bladenboro Chapel of Bladen Gaskins, 800 N. Main Street, Bladenboro, NC. A graveside service will be held on Sunday March 29, 2026 at 2 pm in the Galeed Baptist Church Cemetery in Bladenboro.

"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" — Psalm 85:6