Dora Schmidt Hester was born November 14, 1943 in Tylertown, Ms. to E.J. "Bud" and Katherine Schmidt.   As she was growing up, she moved to different places in Mississippi and Alabama as her father became a doctor on the G.I. Bill.  In 1958, the family settled into Bude, Ms.  After graduation from high school, she attended Copiah Lincoln Junior College and later, after starting her family, University of Southern Mississippi to obtain her R.N. degree in nursing.

Dora had three children Tammy, Vicki, and Eddie and worked various jobs in nursing for over thirty years including the school nurse at Franklin Elementary School to be with her children as they were growing up.  She also worked at Franklin Memorial Hospital, was a home health kidney dialysis nurse, and director of nursing at Meadville Convalescent home while her children were attending high school.  She later worked at St. Catherine's Village, Charter Hospital in Jackson and Natchez Regional specializing in chemical dependency. She also worked at Silver Cross Nursing Home in Brookhaven, Ms.   As her children were attending college, she often worked two jobs to help with their college.   All who worked with her described her as an excellent nurse with a strong work ethic.

Dora enjoyed continuing her education in floral design and making flower arrangements and wreaths for her family to enjoy.  She enjoyed studying God's word, reading a wide range of books, cooking, and shopping.  During her last years of life, she enjoyed eating out with her family.

Ms. Hester was preceded in death by her father, Dr. E.J. Schmidt of Bude; her mother, Mrs. Katherine Schmidt of Baton Rouge, La. and her sister, Mrs. Beth Boyd of Baton Rouge, La.

Ms. Hester is survived by her daughter, Tammy Fairburn of Monticello; her daughter Vicki King and her husband Rusty of Roxie; her son Eddie Hester and his wife Kristi of Oldenburg.   She is also survived by her seven grandchildren Lacey Barfoot, Matt Deer, Hannah Herrington, Logan King, Chloe King, Emily Hester, and Anna Kate Hester.   She has eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 17 ^th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Bude followed by services at 3 p.m.  Ms. Hester will be laid to rest at Midway Cemetery in Meadville, Ms.

Pall bearers will be Eddie Hester, Rusty King, Matt Deer, Logan King, Trent Herrington and Eric Barfoot.