Dorothy Jean Hester

Dorothy Jean Hester, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and child of God, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 9th, 2023. Dorothy was born to Carroll Eugene and Bobbie Jean Pruitt on July 13th, 1945. She was born and raised in Houston, Texas, an only child. On February 15th, 1963, she married her soulmate, Eugene “Gene” James Hester, at Zion Lutheran Church in Houston. Dorothy and Gene had and cherished three children Robin, Jimi and Troy. Throughout their marriage of 59 years, Gene and Dorothy were members of Zion, Beautiful Redeemer and Our Redeemer Lutheran churches in Houston, then moved to Austin in 1988 and became members of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. They both loved the Lord and became servants in the church. Dorothy’s favorite duty over the years was planning funeral lunches for families. She attended to every detail from meals to decorations. It was very important to her for the family to have a perfect service and memory. Dorothy did not work outside the home, but took care of the family home, her children, and Gene tirelessly. As her three became teenagers, she made sure their home was opened to every friend of theirs. Many other parents worked, so she was the caretaker of any and all. She cooked meals, ran everyone to sports practices, and mended many arms, legs, fingers, and toes. She was always “there” for moral support to all of them, especially during those crazy teenage and young adult years. Each of them held a special place in her heart. As their children left home, and she moved to Austin with Gene, she dedicated herself to his needs and traveled with him for work and sporting events, becoming an honorary Longhorn and Astros fan! Dorothy was the ultimate servant to God and her family. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Gene, her mother and father, brothers in law, Roger and Bill and sister-in-law, Ann. She is survived by her children Robin and husband Don Custard, Jimi and wife Kay, and youngest son Troy Hester. She is also survived and dearly loved her grandsons Bryan Custard and wife Jessica, Kevin Custard and wife Kimberly and Hunter, Will, and Jordan Hester. Her surviving great grandchildren include Makenzie Klug, Damon Finley, and Jordan and Riley Custard. More surviving family include sister-in-law Judy, nieces Rhonda, Rie and Andrea and nephews Billy and David, their spouses and children. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mt Olive Lutheran Church MtOliveAustin.org/give or to the Alzheimer’s Association.