Carolyn Hendricks Hester passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was born on October 19, 1935, the daughter of the late Lillian Farr and Roscoe Hendricks. She was the sister of the late Dr. James R. Hendricks and the late Sarah Kate Hendricks. A native Atlantan, she was a 1953 honor graduate of Wm. A. Bass High School, where she was a feature twirler. She attended Emory University on scholarship for one year, where she was a sweetheart of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. The following year she transferred to the University of Georgia, which began a lifetime love for her Bulldogs. At the University, she served as sweetheart of Sigma Chi Fraternity, was a charter member of Angel Flight, became a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, served as Vice President of her senior class, and a member of the cheerleading squad for two years for the football team. She was graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Education in 1957. Following graduation, she was married to Cecil Woodfin Hester, Jr. for 46 years until his death in September of 2005. She was a loving mother to three children and the adoring grandmother of three. Carolyn was a member Oak Grove United Methodist Church for over 40 years, where she served as an officer in the UMW, a youth leader, a delegate to the North Georgia Conference, a member of SPR, Senior Adult Ministry Coordinator, a member of the Hope Sunday School Class, and a Lay leader. She was also an active member of the DeKalb Junior League. A true Zeta lady, Carolyn gave over 50 years of service to her sorority, impacting the lives of thousands of young women and working countless hours as chapter advisor, training, and helping in recruitment. She served as District President, aiding in alumnae activities and winning the Louise Kettler Helper Award, the Outstanding Alumna in the nation. The sorority has established a national scholarship in her name, which benefits a young woman in the local area. Zeta Tau Alpha bestowed many other honors throughout the years, including the Honor Ring, the highest individual honor granted by the sorority, and a state level award named in her honor. Representing Zeta Tau Alpha, Carolyn served as a delegate and fulfilled various offices for the Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic Association for more than 30 years. Her impact on the lives of young people extended to her many years spent as a substitute teacher primarily at Lakeside High School. She is well remembered for her love for the Georgia Bulldogs as evidenced by her faithful return each year to cheer for Homecoming festivities in Athens. She is survived by her children, Cecil W. (Chip) Hester, III; Cathy Huffines (Jay), all of Atlanta; and Carol Young (Curt) of Augusta, GA and her grandchildren – John Huffines, Candler & Catie Young. She is also survived by her special friend, William P. House, Charlotte, NC; her sister-in-law, Joyce Hester Collins, Sautee, GA; nephews, J. Milton Collins, III (Debbie), Newnan, GA; Lt. Col. Barry R. Hendricks (Ret.) (Ruth), Hampton, VA; and James W. Hendricks (Laura), Alaska; and nieces Diana C. Quinn (Jim), Fayetteville, GA; and Celia C. Robinson (Don), Clarksville, GA; and an aunt, Celia Hester Hudnall, Columbus, GA; and a host of wonderful friends. Visitation will be from 5 pm until 8 pm on Friday, May 21 at A.S. Turner & Sons, 2773 North Decatur Rd, Decatur 30033. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, May 22, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, followed immediately by a reception in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation in memory of Carolyn Hester at Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, International Office, 3450 Founders Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or the Carolyn Hester Memorial Fund at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Rd, Decatur, GA 30033.
