Martha Norton Hester

Martha Caroline Norton Hester, age 88, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 26th after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul Maddox “Mike” Norton and Kathleen DeShazo Norton, and her husband, Marlyn F. “Son” Hester. Survivors include her son, Lt. Col. (Ret) Lee M. Hester (Lisa); granddaughters, Laura Hester Chambliss (Matthew) and Catherine Hester Campbell; great-granddaughters Ellison Lee “Ellie” Campbell and Sara Collins Chambliss; great-grandson Cole Hester Chambliss; sister Mary Anne “Tuffy” Norton Black; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Martha’s education began in Frisco City, AL before later receiving her undergraduate degree from Alabama Polytechnic Institute, known today as Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She completed her graduate degree at the University of Alabama. Martha taught at Livingston State Teachers College, now known as the University of West Alabama, and was a classroom teacher in the Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery Public School Systems. She was also the principal at Edgewood Elementary School in Selma, AL during the 1960s. Upon moving to Montgomery, Martha was Associate Principal at Saint James School before finally spending 15 years as the Coordinator of Teacher Certification for the State of Alabama. She was a 30 year career educator. Martha was a longtime member of Frazer United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing bridge, cheering on the Auburn Tigers, and swimming in her pool.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 1st, at 2:00 p.m. at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home with visitation at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. A family graveside service will immediately follow the funeral in Alabama Heritage Cemetery. The family extends a special thank you to all the staff and caregivers from Right At Home, especially Latarchia “Tasha” Green, Barbara Hogan, Brenda Bradley, and Amedisys Hospice. Sincere gratitude is also extended to friends, extended family members, and Frazer United Methodist Church for their thoughtfulness and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hope Hull UMC Building Fund, P.O. Box 325, Hope Hull, AL 36043 or Belmont Church, Livingston, AL 35470.