Esther Gatlin

Esther Gatlin, 96, of Cave Creek, Arizona, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on October 25, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1929, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Jasper and Nona Johnson.

Esther enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring over 30 years ago.

In 1950, she met the love of her life, Jimmy Gatlin, and the two were married in 1953. They made their home in Little Rock before moving to the Benton/Salem area in 1975, where Esther later retired.

Following her retirement, Esther devoted much of her time to volunteering at Congo Road Baptist Church, where she formed many lifelong friendships. She later moved to Lewisville, Texas, and became a member of First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy; her parents, Jasper and Nona; her brothers, Ed and Johnny; her sister, Doris; and her niece, Kristen.

Esther is survived by sons: Frank Alan Gatlin of Pottsboro, Texas and James Robert Gatlin of Cave Creek, Arizona, daughter, Linda Sue Hill of Van Buren, Arkansas; grandchildren: Brett Gatlin of Flower Mound, Texas, Justin Gatlin of Phoenix, Arizona, Cody Gatlin of Aubrey, Texas, Zachary Hill of Lacey, Washington, and Melissa Taylor of Kent Island, Maryland; great-grandchildren: Emerson Gatlin, Bryson Gatlin, Hudson Gatlin, Raegan Gatlin; siblings:  Agnes (Aggie) Reed of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Sterling (Butch) Johnson of Fayetteville, Arkansas; nieces and nephews: Sandra Wiley, Laurie Loyd, Julie Reed Johnson, and Lynli Williams; in-laws, Suda Baily and Wayne Gatlin; special friends: Curtis and Janet Stormet, Linda Brown, Lee Moyer, Linda Brockaton, Lela Zumo, Jane Pennington, Caroline Miller, Margie Irizarry, Norma English, Sharon Ridgeway, Reeda Wilson, Jill Moravick, Gwen Kinsey, Cassie Stocks, Joyce Bratton, Merilla Davis, Gene Scott, and all the other members of the Congo Road Baptist Church.

Heartfelt gratitude to Congo Road Baptist Church and the Fellowship and Bereavement Committee providing the after service meal for Esther, and previously for her husband Jimmy, Janet and Curtis Stormet for their love, support and the use of their entire home for the Gatlin Families, and Lee Moyer for his kind and gentle care of both Jimmy and Esther. We sincerely appreciate the kindness and compassion shown to our family.

The family requests that all flowers be sent to Smith Benton Funeral Home or memorials may be made in Esther's honor to Congo Road Baptist Church at Congo Road Baptist Church Donations.  

A funeral service will be held there on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., followed by burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m. Assisting as pallbearers are James Gatlin, Frank Gatlin, Curtis Stormet, Brett Gatlin, Justin Gatlin, and Cody Gatlin.

Esther will be remembered as a sweet and loving wife, mother, and friend whose kindness touched everyone she met.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.