Esther Laverne Jones

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Esther Laverne (Hamberry) Jones peacefully concluded her earthly journey, surrounded by the love of her husband, Tyrees P. Jones, and her two sons, Tyrees II and Bryan.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Esther was the third child of the late Ellis R. Hamberry and Bernice O. Hamberry (Whitehurst). A proud graduate of Princess Anne High School (Class of 1980), where she excelled as an honor student and basketball star, Esther continued her education at the University of Virginia, ultimately completing her education at Old Dominion University (BA) and Columbia Southern University (MBA).

Esther's passion for sound fiscal management and accountability led her to a distinguished career in finance and bookkeeping. She served in various non-profit, federal, and city government finance offices, to include becoming the inaugural Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Calvary Revival Church (CRC) in Norfolk, VA. Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, she later founded Kingdom Accounting and Tax Services.

A devout, born-again Christian, Esther's financial acumen was seen as a divine gift. After serving faithfully at CRC, she and her husband relocated to the Atlanta metropolitan area to support his career. Following a brief return to Hampton Roads to care for her father, Esther resumed her career in Metro Atlanta as the CFO of Green Forest Baptist Church in Decatur, GA. She also actively fellowshipped with and supported numerous Metro Atlanta ministries, including Free Chapel Church (Pastor Jentezen Franklin) in Gainesville, GA, and World Changers Church International (Pastor Creflo Dollar) in College Park, GA.

Esther is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of over 42 years, Tyrees P. Jones; her two cherished sons, Tyrees II (Atlanta) and Bryan (Fort Lauderdale); her brother, Timothy B. Hamberry (Virginia Beach); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis R. Hamberry and Bernice O. Whitehurst; her infant sister, Denise L. Hamberry; and her brothers, Ellis C. Hamberry and Roderick E. Hamberry.

A celebration of Esther's life will be held on November 6th at 11:00 AM at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA.

Georgia Cremation in Duluth assisted the family with arrangements.