On Tuesday, April 30, 1935, in Douglas, Georgia, Tom and Mattie Carswell Simpson welcomed their beautiful child, a daughter they named Hester Lee. She had 9 siblings, Johnny B. Carswell, Mozelle Carswell, Mattie B. Carswell, Lucy Carswell, Raymond Lee Carswell, Nathaniel Carswell, Tommy Lee Carswell, Julia Carswell, McLeatha Carswell who all preceded her in death.
Hester was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Melvin Buchanan. As the matriarch of the Carswell-Buchanan family, Hester shared a significant piece of herself with each and every family member. This was by far, her greatest accomplishment. Hester was an exceptional mother who was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her children. She was the proud mom of a son, Tony Nelson and daughter, Gloria Nelson, who both preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Mamie C. Johnson (Willie); daughter, Annette N. Johnson (Ulyssess), son, Fredrick Nelson, son, Francis Nelson (Carolyn), son, Nathaniel Nelson, daughter, Tammy G. Thomas (Elijah), son, Everette B. Nelson (Mildred), daughter, Melanie T. Reives (John), son, DeCarlos D. Nelson, daughter, Briana N. Taylor; Grandchildren, NeKonja, Courtney (Tiffany),Amiri, Everette, Monique, Shaira, Michael, Ashton, Donte;18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, god-children, First Lady Andrea O (Bishop Michael) White, Pastor Michael (First Lady Renita} Northcutt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Hester was very passionate about her relationship with God and her church community. She was a devout member of Hightower Memorial Temple House of God Saints in Christ. Being a pioneer of the first House of God Saints in Christ church established in Douglas, GA, she was a dedicated member who graciously served on the usher board, mother board, and on the hospitality committee for many years.
Mother Buchanan, “Aunt Monk” as she was so eloquently called, took great pride in being the only aunt for her many nieces and nephews. She loved spending time in the kitchen preparing meals for her loved ones. She was well known in the community as a passionate caregiver and she cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was and the love in her heart. She was always the first to offer help, pray, and she was always willing to make a difference. Mother Buchanan ensured that everyone who crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, and happy.
Although Hester’s transition on February 28, 2023 leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of her family and friends, we are grateful for the extended time God shared his angel. Her final days were spent surrounded by the family and friends that Hester had touched in some way throughout her long, memorable life. As it would be her prayer, may we continue to love each other unselfishly.
Harrell’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.