Hester Mae Huey, a beloved mother, church leader and devoted servant of Christ, entered eternal rest on December 17, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, she later made her home in Lexington, North Carolina, where she faithfully served God, her family and her community throughout her life.

Known affectionately as "Mother Huey," she was a guiding force behind New Deliverance Church. She played a pivotal role in the building of Lexington Deliverance Tabernacle, helping establish a spiritual home rooted in faith, love and service. Her life was marked by unwavering devotion to God, humility and compassion for others. In recognition of her steadfast support of ministry leaders, she was honored as a National Right Reverend Church Mother in 2003, an accolade she carried with grace and humility.

In April 1978, she married Whiteford Huey, and together they raised six children. Family was her greatest joy, and she dedicated her life to nurturing, encouraging and grounding them in faith. A woman of deep prayer and action, she counseled many, led
countless souls to Christ and lived her faith as a daily, transformative practice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Whiteford Huey; her daughter, Rosa McCluney; and her grandson, Jamel Pharr.

Hester is survived by her children: Beverly Peterson (husband John Peterson) of Salisbury, NC, Dana Phillips (wife Roxana Phillips) of Greensboro, NC, Elizabeth Richardson (husband Sylvester Richardson) of Lexington, NC, Huben Phillips (wife Johanna Phillips) of Chesapeake, VA, Deloris Phillips of Archdale, NC, Brenda Wright of Greenville, SC and Lois Pharr (husband Johnny Pharr) of Davidson, NC. She is also survived by her brother, Hollis McCluney (wife Patricia McCluney) of Lexington, NC. Hester Mae Huey leaves a lasting legacy of faith, service and unconditional love.

Her life was a testament to salvation lived out daily, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.

The funeral service will be Monday at Lexington Deliverance Tabernacle at 12:00pm with family visitation at 11:00am.  Burial will follow in South Lexington City Cemetery.   Public viewing will be Sunday at Roberts Funeral Service from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.