Jeanette Lively “Mema,” “GiGi,” “G” Hester, 93, of Owensboro, passed away on December 6, 2025. She was born in Ohio County on January 13, 1932, to the late Oscar Lee and Madeline “Smith” Lively. Jeanette devoted more than 44 years to her work in manufacturing at MPD, Inc., where her strong work ethic and loyalty were evident every day.
Jeanette was a kind and generous soul whose presence brought comfort to everyone around her. She had a remarkable gift for listening—truly listening—making each person she spoke with feel seen, heard, and cherished. Though gentle in spirit, she was particular about how things were done and had no problem telling you that you weren’t doing it the right way. After all, she was the “General.”
She loved to cook and could turn even the simplest meal into something that brought the whole family together. Her garden was another expression of her care—each flower and vegetable tended with patience, pride, and a touch of her unmistakable charm. She also loved to sew and was an amazing seamstress, creating pieces stitched with the same warmth, skill, and devotion she put into every part of her life.
She was an enthusiastic fan of the UK Wildcats, Atlanta Braves, and the Dallas Cowboys. Game days were sacred in her home, and everyone knew not to call the house when her teams were playing. Cheering them on brought her immense joy and more than a few spirited moments.
Above all, her love for and trust in Jesus was the foundation of her life, guiding her words, her choices, and the unwavering compassion she showed to others. Jeanette leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and grace that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Along with her parents, Jeanette is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Hester; her siblings, James Lively, Bea Stone, Anona Daugherty, David Lively, Margie Crabtree, and Danny Lively; and her son-in-law, Mike Young.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Cindy Young, Pam (Philip) Freels, and Scott (Becky) Hester; her grandchildren, Kristie (Darrell) DeLoach of Radcliff, KY, Tiffany Young of St. Petersburg, FL, Brittany (Travis) Newman, David Hester, and James Hester; her great-grandchildren, Skylar Newman, Ella Newman, Bodie Newman, Madeline DeLoach, and Evelyn Hester; along with her sister, Billie J. “B.J.” Cappelli of Acworth, GA.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow at Scherer Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of charitable donations made payable to Stanley Baptist Church, 265 State Route 1554, Stanley, KY 42301; Scherer Cemetery, 256 State Route 1554, Owensboro, KY 42301; or Sunrise Children’s Home, 3180 W Parrish Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Jeanette Lively “Mema,” “GiGi” Hester. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mrs. Hester and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.