Ora Lee Hester

A Time to Be Born

   Ora Lee Fields was born to Judson Fields Sr. and Nettie Slaughter Fields on November 15, 1941, in Vernon, Oklahoma. She was the fourth child of ten children born to this union. Ora Lee met and married her childhood sweetheart Monroe Hester and to this union two sons were born, Leland Clay and Juan Monroe. She’s preceded in death by her father, mother and three brothers, Sylvester, Leslie, and Paul Sr., one sister Oneta and her son Leland Clay.

A Time to Serve

Ora Lee accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church Luther, Oklahoma; she was a faithful member serving in many capacities’ such as: Minister’s Spouse, Musician, Choir Director, Trustee, Steward, and Stewardess. She served as a church musician for over fifty years without salary. Mrs. Ora Lee Hester, alongside her husband Reverend Monroe Hester pastored Metropolitan Luther African Methodist Episcopal Church for many years until his retirement.

Ora Lee was a cancer survivor and made it her mission to mentor and encourage many young women battling cancer. Even though Ora Lee was homebound for many years, her phone ministry was second to none, keeping her connection with family and friends ensuring everyone felt heard and valued.

Ora Lee was an amazing vocalist and musician. She sang many years with the Yesterday & Today Choir and the Oklahoma Voices of Victory. Ora Lee encouraged her son Juan to follow his dreams of writing and producing gospel music Cd’s. Ora Lee provided support to him by singing background vocals for nine of those music projects with over 120 songs. Even as Ora Lee’s health failed her, she remained an active member of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Arcadia participating in morning worship and Bible Study electronically. Singing her last song at Bible study March 6, 2024. Weak in body but not in spirit and her willingness to be of service.

A Time to Live

   Ora Lee graduated from Luther High School in Luther, Oklahoma. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in Criminal Justice. She studied and perfected her skills to be a dietitian. Ora Lee was employed in food services for over 50 years, ending her career at Edmond Nursing Center as Dietary Supervisor where she retired in 1998. Ora Lee never hesitated to share her earnings with her family as they pursued a higher education. Once retired, Ora Lee remained active by sewing many “Ora Lee Originals” for others and a passion for writing creative programs to present at many church functions. She was an encourager, a wise mentor, and a spiritual mother to many; a true woman of God, truly her sister/brother’s keeper. The perfect example of faithfulness and obedience to God’s word and ministry. Ora Lee was a member of various community, and social organizations such as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The National association of the NAACP Luther Branch, Booker T. Washington Reunion Club.

A Time to Die

On Monday March 11, 2024, the Master called His faithful servant home. We will miss her very much, but our connection to her transcends physical form and we are assured that we will meet her again, because of Calvary, the price has already been paid and Ora Lee will receive her crown.

A Time to Mourn

Ora Lee leaves to cherish her memories, her husband for over 63 years, Reverend Monroe Hester, one son Juan Monroe Hester, two daughters in love Charlene Hester and Angela Hester Hixon; Four brothers, Ledford Fields, Luther, Ok, Ernest (Arzelia) Fields, Spencer, OK, Reverend Dr. Judson Fields Jr., Okmulgee, Ok;  Reverend Marcellus (Brenda) Fields,  Luther, OK: one sister O’Donna Fields, Edmond, OK; two sister- in-laws; Paulzetta Fields, Shawnee, Ok and Betty Wright-Seals( Clarence)  Oklahoma City,  two brother in-laws, Alfred (Betty) Hester, Sacramento, CA; Theatress Hester, Jones, Ok;

Grandchildren: Clayton Daron Hester, LaKeisha (Ashsthar) Ayers, Ty Larenze (Stephanie) Hester, Joy Ralene Hester, Joshua Quoyon Hester, Luther, OK and Justin Hester, Oklahoma City, Ok

Great Grandchildren:  Kariah (Kody) Haskin, Ft. Belvoir, VA; Leland Monroe Hester, Guthrie, Ok, Monte, Noah, Semaj, Clayton Daon Hester Jr., Janae Hester, Chanta Simyada, Aainah, and AnahGreat- Great Grandchildren: Francheska and Karter Haskin, a special caregiver and friend Felicia Roastingear and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who she made special and loved.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ora Lee Hester, please visit our floral store.