Jeffie Boatman Hester passed away January 19, 2015, at North Mississippi Medical Center - Eupora. She was 88. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Eldon Hester; parents, William and Sallie Boatman; sister, Sue B. Hare; and brother, Billy Boatman. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Hester Harpole and her husband Martin of West Point; son, William Eldon Hester of Maben; granddaughter, Sara Beth Harpole Proffitt; and great-grandchildren, McKellar, Maggie and Reuben Proffitt, all of Columbus.

"Miss Jeffie" was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church and served as pianist and later organist for 50 years. She retired from Mississippi State University where she worked in Housing and in Payroll. She was at her best when she was doing for others and taking charge in a crisis. She was a wonderful cook and invited anyone who visited her church home for lunch. She was known for her pound cake and homemade rolls.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at First Baptist Church, Maben, MS and services at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, at First Baptist. Memorials may be made to the organ fund, First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 249, Maben, MS 39750.