Hester Gurley, 84 Obituary

Hester Buff Gurley, 84 passed away peacefully Friday, June 20, 2025 at her home.

She was born on Monday, July 29, 1940 in Burke County, a daughter of the late Frank and Mary Lou Dale Buff. In addition to to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Junior Buff. Hester was a talented seamstress, making clothes for herself and her children. She worked at Shadowline in her early years and then was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. She was an avid reader and loved flowers and gardening, sewing and quilting. Hester was a member of Fairview Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. She loved her church family.

Hester's family was blessed to be able to care for her day and night during her illness. A special thanks to her granddaughter Angela for her loving care of Mamaw. 

Hester is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles Edward "Ed" Gurley; her children, Ron Gurley and his wife Ann, Michelle Ekstrom and her husband Joel, Sherri Suttle and her husband Michael, all of Golden Valley; her sisters, Dorothy Holland and her husband Charlie, Nancy Costner and her husband Fred, all of Morganton; sisters-in-law Pauline McCurry, Ruth Gurley and Pearline Norman; her grandchildren, Angela, Joey and Gloria Ekstrom; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

The Funeral will be conducted at 4:00 pm Monday, June 23, 2025 at Fairview Baptist Church. The Rev. David Ledford will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Brad Costner, Jeff Costner, Chris Costner, Dale Ramsey, Keith McCurry, and Rick Chapman. 

The Visitation will be from 4 pm until 6 pm Sunday at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home.