Hester Lee Sutton Smith Watts

Hester Lee Sutton Smith Watts, 96, went to be with her Lord on December 27, 2011 at her home in Abilene, Texas. Born in Rochelle, Texas to George Washington "Bud" Sutton, Jr. and Ludie Katherine (Morris) Sutton, she lived almost all of her life in Abilene. On June 14, 1930, she married Martin Bernard "Smitty" Smith in Abilene. They owned and operated several motels including Abilene Courts and Sunset Lodge for 40 years. He passed away July 4, 1970. On September 1, 1973, she married William Paschal "Pete" Watts. Hester and Pete owned and operated Country Club Mobile Home Park. Pete preceded her in death in March of 2001. Hester was a member of Wylie Baptist Church and Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class at the church. She taught exercise classes at Rose Park Senior Citizens for over 20 years and was involved in the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) at the center. Hester enjoyed fishing. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Willie Mae "Billie" Canter; three brothers, George Washington Sutton, III, Leslie A. Sutton, and Sealy Jew Sutton; and grandson, Steve Lofton, Jr. Hester is survived by a daughter, Billie Ann (Smith) Lofton and husband Steve of Abilene; two grandsons, William "L.M." Lofton and wife Amy, and Scott Paul Lofton and wife Kim; seven great-grandchildren, Debra Lofton, Lane Lofton, Luke Lofton, Michael Skarren, Christy Lofton, Aaron Lofton and Lily Lofton; and several nieces and nephews. The family expresses special thanks and appreciation to Hospice of the Big Country. "You made it so much easier with all you did. God bless you." Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 30, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Rev. Donny Harbers officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Seth Sutton, Gabe Sutton Ron Sutton, Will Lofton, and Rodney Owens. Members of Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class at Wylie Baptist Church will be honorary pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605, or Meals on Wheels, Plus, PO Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604.