Hester Brooks

Hester Queen Williams Brooks was born on September 11, 1934, in Yemassee, SC to the late Robbie

Williams Sr. and Ruth Morrison Williams. She was educated in the elementary public school system of

Colleton, SC and attended Colleton County High School. After high school, she moved to Savannah

Georgia and worked for several years as a maid. During this time, she met and, on May 31, 1960,

married Robert L. Brooks. They adopted and raised her young niece (Jennie Williams) and her youngest

brother (Dean Williams). Their devotion and commitment resulted in both children graduating from

college and obtaining advanced degrees. Hester was married to Robert until his death in 2004.

In the 70s, Hester obtained a job at Globe Shoe store (located in historic downtown Savannah) which

she saw as a rewarding career. For approximately 40 years, she was a saleswoman who was loved by her

coworkers and a favorite of returning customers. Due to health issues, in 2015 she moved to live with

Jennie in Stony Brook, New York. She was a devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Savannah

Georgia. During the pandemic, she was overjoyed when the church provided Sunday adult bible classes

by Zoom and church serves on Facebook. For a brief period of time on Sundays, she was able to enjoy

the feeling of being back to the familiar.

Hester is predeceased by her parents, husband, seven brothers (Clyde, Robbie Jr, Joe K., Raymond,

Herbert, Dean, and Rufus), and two sisters (Carrie Woodard and Jacqueline Willliams). Hester shed her

earthly mortal coil early Sunday morning of January 19, 2025. She will be greatly missed. She leaves

here, to cherish and celebrate her life, her niece/daughter Jennie Williams, sisters Beatrice Manigo and

Mary Robinson, and a host of nieces and nephews.

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Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Hillcrest Abbey East, 1600 Wheaton St. Savannah, GA 31404.