Linda Hester
Okolona – Linda Marie Watowa Hester, 65, died Friday, July 23, 2021, at Diversicare of Tupelo. She was born in Atchison, KS on January 22, 1956, to the late Lawrence Robert Watowa and Carol Jacqueline Wyvel Watowa. Linda married her soul mate, Fred Hester, on October 10, 1977 in Nevada, and together they relocated to Lee County, MS which would become home.
She worked for many years at Bassett Furniture in Saltillo where she served as Personnel Manager. She then moved back to Topeka, Kansas with her family where she worked for Hoffer Chrysler Plymouth Jeep Dodge as Business Manager.
In 2001, amid her husband’s declining health, she moved back to Mississippi with him where she would eventually go to work with Food Giant in Okolona as Office Manager. Before her health began to decline, Linda worked as cashier for Quality Grocery in Shannon. Linda was a devoted Catholic. She attended St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo.
Linda loved watching TV, and especially enjoyed her nap time. Before becoming disabled, Linda enjoyed dancing and shooting pool with friends. “Mom was a beautiful, loving soul who always had a smile on her face. Sometimes a little sassy and abrupt, she was always as sweet as could be. She was loved and adored by her family and we will miss her greatly”.
Ms. Hester was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence R. and Carol Wyvel Watowa; and by her husband, Fred Hester. She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Lynn Kennedy of Shannon; stepson, Fredrick Hester of Kansas; brothers, Michael Lee Watowa of Topeka, KS; Dennis Dale Watowa of Atchison, KS; and Steven E. Watowa of Guntown; grandchildren, Brent Kennedy of Kentucky and Joshua Cory Kennedy of Amory, MS; great-grandson, Dakota Eugene Johnson. She is also survived by her best friend, Erma Wilson of Okolona.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at 6:00 PM Wednesday, July 28, at Holland Funeral Directors of Tupelo with Father Tim Murphy officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 PM until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
Wednesday
July 28, 2021
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Cliff Gookin Blvd (Holland, Tupelo Chapel, Tupelo)
Wednesday
July 28, 2021
6:00 PM
Cliff Gookin Blvd (Holland, Tupelo Chapel, Tupelo)
I worked with Linda at Bassett. She was one of the most loving and kind hearted people I know. I only wish I could have seen her before she passed.
Dear Hester family, I’m sorry for your loss and you have my deepest condolences. The loss of a loved one brings great pain and sorrow but you can gain comfort from Gods word the Bible. Acts 24:15 says “There is going to be a resurrection” so you can see your dear loved one again. A promise from our loving Heavenly Father. I hope this was a source of encouragement for the family.