Hester Mae Nation
1931 ~ 2023
Date of Death: September 24, 2023
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Nation Family. Hester's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Hester Mae Nation.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Hester Mae Nation was born in the city of Fort Smith on October 28, 1931, to Millie Brooks and James Nation. She departed this life on September 24, 2023. She attended Howard Elementary School and Lincoln High School in Fort Smith. Upon graduation, Hester Nation enlisted in the United States Army WAC (Women's Army Corps) located in Petersburg, VA., and Washington State as a Film Production Specialist. After her military career, she returned to Fort Smith where she worked at the Whirlpool Corporation from January 30, 1967, until her retirement in April 1993.
She was an active member of several organizations in the Fort Smith area, most notably the Justamite Women’s Club and the McGill Center. Hester attended St. Augustine Episcopal Church since childhood, where she served as Worship Master, Layreader, Senior Warden and Treasurer. She received many community awards and achievements during her lifetime, including the Orchid Award, Mother of the Year, CEO Lincoln Alumni Association and the Elizabeth McGill Distinguished Community Service Award. Additionally, Hester Mae Nation served the community in numerous ways.
She was preceded in death by one (1) son: Steve A. Toran and one (1) daughter: Deborah Harris.
She is survived by one (1) sister: Rebecca Evans of Killeen, TX., one (1) daughter: Shirley Toran-Carter; four (4) sons: Clarence E. Toran of Goldsboro, NC., Donald R. Toran, Paul L. Toran and Eric J. Toran, all residing in Fort Smith, AR. Along with sixteen (16) grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Walk-thru visitation will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023; 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Rowell-Parish Mortuary, 611 North 9th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Celebration of Life Service Thursday, October 5, 2023; 11:00 am Trinity Episcopal Church, 918 No. Ninth Street; Van Buren, Arkansas.
Committal and final resting place: Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas.