Barbara Birdsong Hester

Barbara Birdsong Hester, affectionately known as Bobbie, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the age of 86 in Valley, AL. Born on November 14, 1938, in Chambers County, Bobbie’s life was a testament to her generous spirit and selfless dedication to those she cherished.

Bobbie’s early years were filled with the warmth of a close-knit family and joys of rural life. Her parents, JD Birdsong and Martha LeMerle Birdsong, instilled in Bobbie values of hard work and compassion, which she carried throughout her life.

Bobbie is preceded in death by her beloved husband Alvie D. Hester, her parents, her cherished granddaughter Allison Ward Hulgan, her brothers Howard and George Birdsong, her daughter-in-law Margaret Hester, and her niece Alethea Stephens.

She is survived by her sister Patricia (John) Hudson; her daughters Teresa (Larry) Ward and Libby (Tony) Shaddix; her son Terry (Cindy) Hester; her grandchildren Amanda (Dusty) Bailey, Crystal (Jason) Cotton, Jonathan (Misty) Hester, Sara (Patrick) Sands, Matthew (Melissa) Shaddix; her great-grandchildren Peyton Bailey, Will Bailey, Jackson Maddox, Cam Cotton, Chloe Cotton, Jordan (Miranda) Hester, Emily Sands, Ryan Sands, and Benjamin Shaddix; several nieces and nephews; her adored friend Phyllis Manley.

Bobbie’s love for her family was the cornerstone of her life. She was a pillar of strength and generosity, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her selfless nature was evident in her willingness to lend a helping hand or home cooked meal.

She was an avid lover of animals, always ensuring that the creatures in her care were well-fed and loved. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as tending to her numerous potted plants and meticulously cutting her grass, which brought her immense satisfaction and peace.

Bobbie’s professional life was marked by her dedication to West Point Pepperell. She spent over 30 years working for the mill with her most cherished years spent at Riverview Mill. Following retirement, she shared her love of cleaning with the broader community for over a decade. She also spent countless hours volunteering her time at her daughter and granddaughter’s preschool where she was known as “Grandmama” to the students.

Bobbie’s commitment to her family was unwavering, and she was a source of strength to all who knew her.

Funeral services for Barbara will be held on Monday, January 13th, 2024, at 2:00 PM (EST) at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel in Valley. Larry Ward will officiate. Barbara’s family will receive friends Monday from 1:00 PM (EST) until the service hour at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley.

Please visit Barbara’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownserviecfh.com to leave a kind word for her family, to share a memory of Barbara, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.

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