Graveside services for Jo Helen (Purvis) Hester, 78, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Bluff Creek Cemetery in Livingston, Texas with Bro. Lindell Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be held on the day of service from 11 a.m. to noon at the Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.
Jo Helen was born April 12, 1948 in Cleveland, Texas and passed away September 11, 2026 in Livingston, Texas. Jo Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Hester, and her parents Eugene Purvis and Francis LeBlanc Purvis, and stepfather M.C. Baker.
Jo Helen graduated from Livingston High School in 1966 and went on to attend Massey Business School in Houston, Texas. In June 1967, she married the love of her life, Ronnie Hester. That same year, Jo Helen began her 39-year career at Putt Watson Motor Company and later Watson Motor Company working in the administrative and financial department. She retired from Bounds Autoplex in 2017, after 50 years of service in the automotive industry.
As a faithful member of the Livingston Church of Christ, Jo Helen cherished her church family and quietly served others in her own kind and gentle way. She was a faithful Christian whose relationship with the Lord was an important part of her life. Her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and steadfast faith touched the lives of those around her. Jo Helen was not one to seek the spotlight, but her presence brought comfort and warmth wherever she went.
The friendships she made in all aspects of her life were incredibly important to her. Jo Helen was known for her kindness, her quiet nature, and especially her beautiful, big smile. Those who knew her will remember the joy that could light up her face and make others feel welcome and loved. She was a woman who cared deeply and loved fiercely. Family was at the center of her world, and she was the person whom people could count on when they needed someone to show up, solve a problem, lend a hand, or simply be there. She gave her time and energy generously to the people she loved.
Jo Helen could be independent, determined, and occasionally stubborn – and people that loved her would not have wanted her any other way. Those who knew Jo Helen will remember her warmth, her big smile, her strength, her generosity, and her ability to keep going even when life became difficult. Jo Helen treasured the relationships she built throughout her life and understood that the greatest memories are not found in things, but in the people with whom we share our lives. Her greatest legacy will not be measured by accomplishments or possessions, but by the lives she touched and the love she gave.
Jo Helen always put her family first and the brightest light in her eyes were her two grandsons. They loved spoiling their Mims by taking her to Astros games and catering to her every wish – as she did to theirs.
Jo Helen is survived by her son, Keith and wife Jean (Kistler) Hester; grandsons Addison Hester; and Jack and wife Jaci (Hoffmeyer) Hester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jo Helen to the Livingston Church of Christ, P.O. Box 411, Livingston, TX 77351.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
