MCLEANSBORO – Estell Hunter, age 89 and a resident of McLeansboro, IL, passed away at Hamilton Memorial Hospital, McLeansboro, IL on Friday, January 26, 2024.
She was a cherished wife, sister, Mom, Mamaw, Maw, friend to many and lifelong devoted servant of the Lord.
Estell was born February 17, 1934, in Sneedville, TN to William Moles and Nellie (Barnard) Moles and was the third of seven children. Her family emigrated north from Appalachia to the family farm near Delafield when she was 3. Her parents instilled their hard working, God fearing spirit in their family. They had very little but each other, but with determination and the Lord’s blessings, they created much and the farm they toiled to establish remains in the family to this day.
In her youth, Estell attended Delafield School and worshipped nearby at Delafield Baptist Church. She spent much of her childhood helping her father in the fields, her mother in the home, and preserved a close bond with her many siblings throughout their lives. She survived polio as a child and overcame its lifelong lasting effects, without ever complaining.
After graduating from McLeansboro High School in 1952, she met her loving and “one-of-a-kind” husband Clyde. They married February 27, 1954, in McLeansboro and had one daughter, Debra. They spent 45 happy years together raising their family, making cherished memories supporting Clyde’s fastpitch and their granddaughters’ sports teams, and attending countless ballgames. She and Clyde would be waiting after every game with a cooler full of drinks and snacks for every kid on the team.
Always one to think of others, Estell was widely known across the county for her crochet, strawberry jam, Christmas candy, cookies and pies and loved to share these gifts with many special friends. She was happiest when worshipping, cooking, gardening and spending time with her family. She would often reminisce about some of her happiest years spent helping to care for her great grandson Tristan, with whom she shared a special bond.
When widowed suddenly in November 1999, she found the strength to care for her property independently for the next 20+ years and for some time was caretaker for her mother as well.
Estell was employed as a County Recorder in the Hamilton County Clerk’s office for over 30 years, and developed many lasting friendships with her co-workers & those that visited the courthouse. She was also a member of First General Baptist Church of McLeansboro for several years and recently attended Lick Creek Baptist Church. All who knew Estell knew she was a dedicated Christian and how important God was in her life.
Estell will be remembered as a constant source of unconditional love and support for her family and friends. She was also a source of strength and encouragement in her unwavering support of her daughter, granddaughters and great-grandson in all things, especially in their pursuit of education. She and Clyde sacrificed and contributed greatly to the education of their daughter, granddaughters and great-grandson, providing their family the opportunity to continue in the example they set of lives well spent serving and uplifting others.
Estell’s generosity & kindness touched many hearts in her small community, proof that a simple life can impact countless others. She possessed the most hard working, generous, godly and humble spirit. Those who knew her well, knew she even prayed quietly and humbly. Her favorite scripture was “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
She lived her life as a testimony of this Scripture, overcoming her adversity, in order to humbly serve as light for the Lord. We find solace in knowing she is reunited with Clyde, her parents and siblings and is once again made whole, resting in the arms of Jesus.
Survivors include her daughter, Debra Johnson, McLeansboro, IL; granddaughters Jamie Hunter Cravens & husband Aaron, McLeansboro, IL & Kristin (Johnson) Swenson & husband Cory, Franklin, TN; great-grandson Tristan Hunter McDurmon, Rockport, IN; brother Willie Moles & wife Sharon, McLeansboro, IL; sisters Martha Davis of Evansville, IN; Dorcas Baize of Tulsa, OK; Mary Secrest of Tucson, AZ; and many special nieces & nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents William & Nellie Moles, husband Clyde, brother Paul Moles & sister Jennie Shorb.
In accordance with her wishes, a graveside service for family and close friends will be held at Blooming Grove Cemetery on Friday, February 2 at 11 a.m. followed by a meal for the family at the home of her brother Willie Moles. The family requests any food donations be delivered to the Willie Moles residence prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory through Harre Funeral Home to the Hamilton Co 4-H Gift Garden.
The family wishes to thank Sharon & Willie Moles, Deborah Burns, P.A. and the nursing staff at Hamilton Memorial for their compassion and care during her final days.