Hilda Hilliard Hester

Hilda H. Hester, 75 of Oxford, NC passed away on April 9, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born in High Point, NC on January 2, 1951, to the late Thomas Hampton Hilliard Jr. and Gladys Pauline Swaim

For over 25 years, Hilda dedicated her life to Duke University and Duke Athletics where she retired in 2006.

Growing up, she was a member of University Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, and later in life became a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Greensboro where her son is the Pastor.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by her sisters Shirley Pike, Iris Willeby, Harriet Hilliard, Hope Ellis and bonus-daughter Ginger Slocum (Charles)

Hilda is survived by her husband Sherrill Thomas Hester Sr. (they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on May 17th), ; her son Pastor William Davis III (Debbie) of Greensboro, bonus – son Sherrill Thomas Hester II (Tara) of Willow Spring, NC; her daughters Wanda Johnson (Robert) of Oxford, NC and Paula Martin of Jacksonville, NC, bonus-daughter Elizabeth Hart (Roland) of Durham; Beloved Grandchildren, Brandon Coffey, Adam Martin, Bethany Kapuscinski (Dustin), Candice Long, Allison Shuman (Isaac), William (Will) Davis IV, Taylor Hester, Tyler Hester, Parker Berg, Spencer Griffin, Savanna Slocum, Makailla Slocum, Cheyanne Griffin and Amber Griffin; Great Grandsons, her great joys, Ayden Martin, Davis Kapuscinski, Jameson Long, Easton Davis and Sawyer Hester; Sisters, Henrietta Hilliard and Helen DiPietro, both from Oxford, Fl.; Brothers-in-law Derwood Hester (Brenda) of Newport, NC and Ronnie Hester of Hillsborough, NC.and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly..

Hilda was a lady that welcomed everyone who visited her with a home-made meal and some kind of yummy dessert that she would whip up in a jiffy. She was always a great hostess and had plenty of food.

Hilda was known for her passion of cruises and would gather as many people as she could to cruise every year. She loved going to Duke basketball and football games with her husband, kids and grandkids. Having grown up in Chapel Hill she was a true Tarheels fan. In her early adult life she lived in Florida. Even though she was not a swimmer she enjoyed going to Clearwater Beach or St Pete Beach to get a great tan. Hilda and her husband spent many wonderful years camping at Falls Lake and taking the boat out for a day of fishing.

A Graveside Service will be held at Oak Grove Memorial Garden on Saturday, April 25th at 2 pm.  Visitation will be at 1:30pm. Following her brief service, a Celebration of Hilda’s life will be held at Fellowship Baptist Church 450 Muldee St, Durham NC 27703 from 3-5:00 pm.

Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to the Building Fund @ Cornerstone Baptist Church 3228 Hines Chapel Road Greensboro, NC 27405