HESTER WILLIAMS - December 25, 1930 - April 28, 2026 / Cleveland Heights, OH

Dear Mama,

My heart is heavy as I write this, yet full of gratitude for the life you lived and the love you gave so freely. This morning, you transitioned peacefully into the arms of Jesus you loved so deeply, and into a heavenly reunion I know you have already begun organizing (You looooved a par-tay!).

Of course you loved Christmas - it was Christmas all year round - those decorations NEVER went down. You carried that spirit every single day of your life. Joy followed you. Warmth lived in you. Giving was your nature and you always super spoiled me on YOUR birthday. And I always made sure you had DOUBLE presents for your Happy Birthday Christmas.

Rooted in faith at Cedar Hill Baptist Church, in Sunday School, in Bible Study, you didn’t just attend… you belonged. You poured into your church and your community with a quiet strength that made people feel seen, safe, and loved.

You couldn’t quite hold a note… but that never stopped you from singing (loudly and proudly) in the church choir and encouraging my voice and music pursuits. That just made your voice even more beautiful to me. Because it wasn’t about perfection—it was about praise. About showing up. About heart. Thank you for driving me across every corner of Ohio, Michigan, NY, Florida—Carpooling for my maaaany singing groups, an avid Singing Angels fan, attending endless concerts, chaperoning bus tours, taking me to endless rehearsals, auditions, dance classes, piano lessons, sewing my showchoir dresses, ironing my performance uniforms, making sure I was never wrinkled and my shoes always polished —clapping the loudest even when I sucked - never missing a beat, even when life asked everything of you.

You were the strongest woman I will ever know. I guess I get that from you..

We were both only children, yet I never felt alone—not for a second—because I had you. You answered my phone calls all hours, were my best gossip friend, my foundation, my protector, my biggest believer, and the driving force behind my love for music and life itself. You taught me that 'you don't have to be blood to be family' as you took in foster children as your own and was everyone's 'Mama' in my circle of youth.

And now… I picture you reunited with Grandma Ora Lee, catching up, laughing, and yes—already organizing carpools, bake sales and cooking soul food up in Heaven, making sure everyone finishes their plate (or they couldn't leave the table).

That’s who you are. Always taking care of others so it was my PLEASURE to be your caregiver - ALWAYS smiling, calling everyone 'Baby' and feisty till the end. As I heal - I know you didn't want me to worry. I will come back stronger knowing you are watching me get well. NO more confusion, you are whole now.

Everyone that knew you loved you. But me the most - I am your biggest fan. Bye Mama - See you tomorrow

KK

Friends, I am home from the hospital and recuperating. There will not be a memorial service at this time. If you feel so moved you may leave a message with memories of her, and donations in memory of Hester Williams to the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org/donate) would be wonderful. Please know how deeply I appreciate every message, every gift, every prayer, every kind thought sent my way. In the words of Hester Williams - "God don't give us nothing we can't handle"

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