Catherine Hester

Catherine Cameron Hester was born in Roxboro, NC, to the late Charlie and Pauline Cameron on May 1, 1943. She completed her earthly journey on December 15, 2025.

Catherine was educated in the Durham Public School System, attending Merrick-Moore. Over the years, she lent her talents to several organizations, working at Dobbs House at RDU Airport and the Durham Hosiery Mill. She also served as the Assistant Director for the Durham Nursery School Association. A devoted woman of God, Catherine’s spiritual journey led her through several church homes, including New Hope Person Baptist Church, Shiloh Baptist Church, and Mt. Calvary United Church of Christ, where she was a member of the Versatile Crusaders. Most recently, she was a faithful member of New Covenant United Holy Church of America under the leadership of Pastor Robert and Phyllis Walker. Catherine served her church family in many capacities: as a Sunday School teacher, greeter, transportation coordinator, and a member of the Faithful Choir and Intercessory Prayer Team. She also served as the care group leader for the "Energizer’s Fulfillment Hour" class. Sister Hester was a devoted believer whose faith never wavered; when asked how she was doing, she would joyfully respond, “I’m happy, healthy, healed, and whole. Nothing missing, nothing broken, and everything is working by God’s mighty power.”

Catherine was an energetic, loving, and outgoing woman who poured herself into her community. she sat on the board for the Durham Senior Center for Life (DSCL) and participated in the Durham Senior Games for nearly twenty years. She was a fixture in the Durham Christmas parade alongside DSCL for as long as her family can remember. A natural athlete, her favorite event was the shot put, and she had a lifelong love for basketball and cheerleading.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charlie Cameron Jr.; her TWIN sister, Ernestine Brown of Durham NC; her former husband, Richard Allen Hester Sr. and her stepson, Kerry Farrington both of Apex NC. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Carolyn McNair (Leroy, affectionately known as the "best son-in-law in the world"), Donna Hester, and Angelia Hester, all of Durham, NC, and her "number one son," Richard Allen Hester Jr. (Suzan) of Stockton, CA. Her memory will be forever cherished by her seven grandchildren, one in which she raised: Asia (LeThomas), Le’Carla (Jesse), Takaeo, Daniel, Antoine (Kayla) Michael, and Geneva. She also leaves her great-grandchildren: Ardus, Lyric, and LeThomas II. Her five sisters and one brother Barbara Sanders(Grady) Mary Mills, Marjorie Borden, Corliss Keith, Joe Cameron (Shirley) and Linda Evans all of Durham NC. Two special grandchildren, Mya Alvarez (Kevin) and Javari McNair (Tia); and a special son Antonio Walker. She also leaves an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.