Lalia Bentley Hester

Lalia Bentley Hester, age 89 of Clarkesville, Georgia went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Born on May 23, 1936 in Lincolnton, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Carrie Lou Bentley Usry and Jacob Bentley. She was a graduate of Washington Wilkes High School, where she met her husband of 46 years, Julian Hester. She attended Georgia State College for Women, and married Julian in 1955. They made their life and raised their children in Washington, Georgia until 1969, when they moved to Clarkesville.

Lalia committed her life to Christ at an early age, and remained a faithful servant of God for the remainder of her life. She was a devoted member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville from 1969 until her death, and was involved in many activities throughout those years. Along with her church and her Jesus, her greatest treasures were her dear husband, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as her many devoted friends. She also cherished her time "working in her flowers" up until her final months on earth.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hester was preceded in death by her husband, Julian Hester, and her daughter Jan Hester. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Joy Nichols and John Nichols, son and daughter- in-law Julian Hester Jr. and Ella Hester, grandchildren, Jessamie Vincent (Jason), Marshal Nichols (Kasey), Hanna Hester Mucha (Peter), and six great-grandchildren, Georgia, Warren, and Rushing Vincent, and Harper, Berklee, and Hadley Nichols.

A service of celebration of Lalia's life will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, on Friday, September 12th at 11:00 am. Her family will receive friends for visitation at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville on Thursday, September 11, from 5-7 pm.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in her name to Bethlehem Baptist Church Debt Retirement Fund, PO Box 488, Clarkesville, GA 30523.

Arrangements are in the care of Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.