Hester Connelly Cooke, 92, of Morganton, NC, transitioned from her life on earth on Friday, October, 2, 2026.

Hester was born on April 23, 1934, in Morganton, NC to Elliott and Myrtle Connelly after graduating from Olive Hill High School in 1959, Hester moved to Plainfield, NJ, where she continued her education in business at the Plainfield Adult School, MTI Business Institute in Newark, NJ and Rutgers College in New Brunswick, NJ.

Hester married David Cooke and lived in Plainfield for 64 years before returning to her hometown. She raised one son, Keith Connelly. Hester’s career spanned many positions, including clerical clerk, accounts payable clerk. Senior nurse’s aide, and bookkeeping clerk. She was a dedicated member of Shiloh Baptist Church for 40 years, where she served in the hospitality ministry and the soup kitchen. She also attended Bible classes with New Life of Church.

A talented seamstress, Hester loved sewing coats, jackets, and quilts and she was an active member of the Quilting Class of Plainfield Senior Center. Additionally, she was a longtime member of the Mohawk Temple No. 191 IBOE of Plainfield, NJ. Hester’s faith in Christ was unshakeable, and her character was unmatched. She was widely known for being both classy and sassy! Fiercely loyal and deeply connected to her roots, she held an unconditional love for her family and always cherished coming home for visits.

Hester was preceded in death by her parents, Elliott and Myrtle Connelly; her husband David Cooke; three brothers, Fred, Roy, and Bill; and four sisters, Helen (James), Eva, Addie (Fred), and Omeila.

She is survived by her son, Keith Connelly of Morganton, NC, and her sisters Mary Hunt and Ophelia Harshaw (Albert), both of Morganton, NC. She also leaves behind three granddaughters, Ameerah, Kimah, and Jameelah Connelly; seven great- grandchildren, Amir, Zamyah, Davion, Shayleen, Nyeemah, Jekhi and Tyshawn; and a host of loving relatives, nephews and acquaintances.

A private funeral service will be held by the family at a later date. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.