Ola Mae Jester

Ola Mae Jester, age 92, of Gurdon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and staff on Thursday, July 5th, 2018 at Twin Rivers Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia. She was born on July 9th, 1925 in Clark County, to the late Reverend Henry Alvin and Josie (Dixon) Frances. Ola Mae married Sherman L. Jester on Sept. 29, 1941, in Gurdon. They were married 67 years when he preceded her in death on Dec. 24th, 2008. Also preceding her in death are her son Richard, who passed in 2001, her sister Faye Malcolm, her brothers James and Charles Frances, and her son-in-law Don Stone. Surviving her are two daughters, Sharma Joanne (Lloyd) Jordan, and Jeanie Stone, along with nine grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. She loved her family and friends dearly and encouraged them to focus on the good in people, accepting everyone as they were. Ola Mae and Sherman were no strangers to their community as they owned and operated several businesses over the years, including a family grocery store in both Curtis and Gurdon, and were loved dearly by family and friends. Once Ola Mae met someone, they became her friend, especially if they liked flowers. Her favorites were day lilies, daffodils, and roses. She loved all types of gardening. And would most often be seen pulling weeds. Her and Pop always had big gardens. She canned everything they grew and gave the spoils from their gardens to all those who crossed her path. Those dear to her remember her making the best chicken and dressing and the best dumplings around. She loved crocheting, quilting and spending time with her family and friends. Ola Mae especially loved her church, Curtis Assembly of God, and her church family, where she was a Charter Member, treasurer, song leader and Sunday School Teacher well into her 80's. Visitation will be Sunday, July 8th, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home in Gurdon. Funeral services will be Monday July 9th at 2 p.m. at Curtis Assembly of God, with Brother Charles Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Cemetery in Arkadelphia. Pallbearers are Derek Jester, Trevor Stone, Phillip Brady, Landon Stone, Davis Jordan, Andrew Stone, Matt Stone, Aaron Jordan, Matt brady, River Melugin, Cody Grizzle, Andrew Barnes, Alex Stone, Joey Hillis, Phillip Malone, Jake Malone, Luke Jordan, Jacob Jordan, Easton Melugin under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home of Gurdon, Ark. Memorials may be made to Curtis Assembly of God Church. The family would like to thank the staff at Twin Rivers for their care and compassion for Ola Mae, as they became family during her stay there. Sign our online guestbook at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com.