Hester Lee Anderson

Hester Lee Darden Anderson was born in a small East Texas community built by former slaves; started her education at a tiny school created for their children; and went on to become one of the first Black nurses at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Born January 19, 1925, to Mamie Freeman Darden and Oliver Darden in Barnum, TX, she passed away on December 5, 2023 at the age of 98.

She started school at Denver School, eventually graduating from the newly built Chester Negro High School in 1942.

She grew up in the Darden-Palestine Community where she was a member of Palestine Baptist Church.

She moved to Houston after high school where she met and married her husband, Leroy Anderson. They were married for 46 years until his passing in 2004. They were both members of Wesley African Methodist Church.

After completing her nursing training, she worked here entire career at M.D. Anderson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two brothers, Douglas Darden and Dorie Darden; sister Burnie Lucille Hughes; two stepsons Earnest J. Anderson and Cedric Jenkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers William Darden, Robert Darden, Ralph Darden; and sister Olivia Cherry.

A visitation for Hester will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088. Funeral services will immediately follow. The committal services will be from 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM at PARADISE SOUTH CEMETERY, 2237 Cullen Blvd, Pearland, TX 77581.