Birth Date: 05/12/1937
Deceased Date: 11/06/2022
Barbetta Godwin Hester, age 85, of Selma passed away Sunday, November 6, 2022 at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield. Born May 12, 1937 she was a daughter of the late Braddie and Lena Godwin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hester, Sr.; brother, Roy; and sister, Hannah.
Surviving are her sons, Charles E. “Chuck” Hester, Jr. of Clayton, Ron Hester and wife Heidi of Selma; daughter, Missy Dorsey and husband Jon of Henderson; brother, William Godwin of Clayton; grandchildren, Meredith Peacock and husband Hunter, Julia Boot and husband Will, Holden Dayoub, Caroline Dayoub, Tina Hooks, Michelle Eason and Justin Lowry; and six great grandchildren.
Barbetta graduated from Selma High School and then attended Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC where she fell in love with the student body president, Charles Hester. Mom completed the requirements for a stenographer’s certificate and then married Charles in 1957. Years later upon Charles’ retirement from the military, they settled in Selma, NC where they would continue to raise their children and live out the remainder of their lives.
Barbetta was an active member of Selma Baptist Church where she served on many committees, made lifelong friends, and cooked the most amazing food for church functions. She had the voice of an angel and sang with the church choir, Johnston County Chorus, and the Golden Girls who performed state wide.
Barbetta’s pride and joy were her children and grandchildren who loved her dearly. She had endless energy and a smile that would light up a room. As a lifelong animal lover, fur babies were a huge part of her life. She leaves behind her sweet Rusty and Toby.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff at UNC Health Johnston.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Chatham Animal Rescue & Education (CARE) PO Box 610 Pittsboro, NC 27312 in memory of Barbetta Hester.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
