Hester Worthy

Hester Worthy ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Samuel J. Jones Funeral Home on Mar. 7, 2026.Hester Elizabeth Washington Worthy, 66, peacefully transitioned from this earthly realm on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at home with her loving family at her side. Born to Jackie Sr. and Georgia (Wade) Washington on September 27, 1959, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Hester was the only girl, and the middle child nestled between older brother, Jackie Jr., and younger brother, Aaron. Growing up, Hester enjoyed family game nights, playing tennis at the Sewickley Community Center, and spending time with her parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, and friends. Her weekends and summers were spent running around town with her childhood best friend, Lyn, or hanging out and listening to music.Hester's parents encouraged their children to be intellectually curious from a young age, so Hester was inquisitive, loved learning, and was a voracious reader. She also enjoyed running track and relished sharing that she met track legend Jesse Owens at a track event and received his high praise. Hester graduated from Cornell High School in 1977.After high school, Hester attended Penn State University. Her time at college introduced life experiences that would forever shape her; she joined the women's auxiliary of Omega Psi Phi, became a vegetarian, and was introduced to Rastafarianism, which became a major force in her life.Hester's first child, Tenel, was placed for adoption. A decision that deeply saddened her. Later in life, Hester reunited with her, and met her children. It was a moment Hester fondly cherished.In the early 1980s, Hester formed a union that produced eight amazing children whom she loved deeply and unconditionally, and who are truly her greatest accomplishments: Maia Bass (Tracie), Akeem Worthy (Kristen), Amece Worthy, Khama Worthy (Nicole), Sama Worthy-Belcher (AJ Belcher), Shaka Worthy, Eartha Worthy, and Jemimah Worthy. Hester possessed a dogged determination to make family a priority, and instilled in them a strong sense of togetherness. She moved her family to Ghana, West Africa, in 1988, a move that created lasting memories and was a pivotal experience she would be forever proud of. Although Hester and her family moved back to the Pittsburgh area, she encouraged all who listened to go to Africa. Hester went on to raise her family as a single mother. She homeschooled eight children, which was one of her proudest achievements.Hester instilled values of love, prioritized quality family time, always having some money saved, traveling, meditating, doing yoga, gardening, and being engaged in the community. From weekend walks through the woods of Moon Township to relaxing at Point State Park, Hester loved nature and being one with Jah's creations. If she were walking on grass, you could definitely count on her having her shoes in her hand so her feet could feel the earth. She raised her family as vegetarians before it was a popular idea. Her holistic approach led her to have homebirths of her last five children, something she would later go on to assist many in the city of Pittsburgh with. She loved traveling and took her children on many trips, including to Jamaica and Hawaii with her two youngest daughters. Hester brought joy through thick and thin, and was the true foundation- the nail, wood, and glue- of the Worthy Family.Second only to being a mother, nothing made Hester happier than her grandchildren. She gave them the gift of her time and knowledge, educating them on black history and current events. Together they cooked, and annually celebrated New Year's at her house. In summer 2025, Hester took all four of her grandchildren to Atlanta for their first cousin's trip. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Ava Worthy, Malakhi Worthy, Amina Williams, and Marley Worthy.Family was important to her. Hester loved calling her brothers, Jackie and Aaron (Terri) Washington and talking about sports and debating life and politics. Visiting her baby brother Aaron and sister in-law Terri's house for family gatherings and playing ping-pong were found moments. Watching her nephews, Jared and Kipauno grow up brought her such joy. Her routine conversations with her uncle David were essential and highly valued.For enjoyment and meditation, Hester loved reggae music. She often shared that she attended the last concert of her favorite artist, Bob Marley. At her house, you could always count on her having music playing in the background, a fruit basket, and inspirational quotes scattered about. Hester loved attending community engagement meetings, local protests, and Black History Month events. She was known for dropping knowledge on everyone in her presence, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She could not help it; she was a natural educator. She loved strength; she debated strongly. She had strong views and never met a moment when she did not speak her mind. In addition to her own children, Hester offered motherly love to countless others. She was affectionately known as Mama Hester by many in the community.Hester is preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, Jack Sr., her mother, Georgia, her older brother Jackie Jr., and her stillborn grandchildren, Quad Belcher and Malik Belcher.Hester is survived by her children, grandchildren, little brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephews, cousins, the Wade family, extended family, the Rastafari church of Nyabingi family, and many others she loved throughout her life.Hester leaves behind a legacy of love, family, speaking truth to power, and embracing a holistic way of life. She was fierce and fearless. She did not place value in material things; her value came from the Most High, Jah Rastafari. While she is gone in this physical world, her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of everyone she loved. In the words of Hester: Jah Rastafari!To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.