Hester Ann Graham McKissick, 88, of 311 Best St. Shelby, NC departed this life on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Cleveland Pines Nursing Center in Shelby, NC.  She was born on May 8, 1925 in Savannah, GA to the late Bob and Lizzie Graham

Hester was a member of Roberts Tabernacle C.M.E. Church and held various positions over the years. She served on the missionary society, the kitchen committee, choir and she was a class leader.

Hester was employed with PPG Industries for 27 years and held various other jobs.  She was the first black cook at Roses dime store in uptown Shelby as well as the Little Mint.  She worked at the Cleveland County Fair for years for Ed Wilson where she made him famous for his country ham biscuits.  In addition, she was employed with Harvey B. Hamrick making his kids her main focus.

In her spare time, Hester enjoyed working in her garden, cooking, baking, sewing and helping others to raise their kids, especially Beth and Catherine.  She also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, David Grant and Alex Grant; three sisters, Mariah Jenkins, Jessie Graham and Ellen Graham and a brother, Elliott Graham.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Brenda Hopper (Andrew), Norma Gail Mack, Mary Georgette Hartgrove, George Dennis McKissick (Ann), Doris Ann McKissick all of Shelby and James Keith McKissick (Marcia) of Waco, NC; thirty grandchildren; sixty-three great-grandchildren; forty-five great-great grandchildren and four great-great-great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Anna Bell Graham of Savannah, GA and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 2:30 PM at Roberts Tabernacle C.M.E. Church with Rev. Pamela Mack officiating.  Burial will take place at Webb Memorial Lawns.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 2:30 PM at the church on Saturday.  Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloes.net.  Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.