Mary Hester Stanley, 88, of Kinston passed away on September 13, 2023 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Leo Stanley; son, Harold Stanley, grandson, Timmy Stanley; sister, Hazel Carter and brothers, Jessie Jarman and Alfred Jarman.

Hester was very proud of being a nurse for 40 years and taking care of her patients. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a longtime member of Briary Run Pentecostal Holiness Church and attended Wheat Swamp Christian Church. She enjoyed traveling, camping with her husband, quilting lap quilts for nursing homes and always made sure those who were alone at Christmas received a quilt.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelby Sykes and husband, Mike of Kinston; son, Wayne Stanley and wife, Kathy of Warrington, PA; grandchildren, Patrick Sykes, Ashley Keyser, Matthew Stanley, Sarah Stanley and Jenny Stanley; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles Jarman and wife, Carole of Albertson and Myrl Jarman and wife, Sandra of Seven Springs; very special friend, Bill Newberry of Kinston and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 17, 2023 beginning at 2:00 pm, with funeral services following at 3:00 pm at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Deaver Family Cemetery, Deep Run, NC.

Howard-Carter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

On-line condolences may be sent to howardandcarter.com