OKLAHOMA CITY Memorial service for former Lawton resident J. Esther Hutchins Powell, 97, Oklahoma City, will be at 10 a.m. today at Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. today at Walter's Cemetery with Marvin Nelson officiating.

Esther passed from this world to go see Jesus and her momma on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014.

She lived many wonderful years in Lawton, where she raised her family with Paul and taught many students in the Lawton school system. Many friends were left behind when she moved to Oklahoma City to be nearer to family.

Esther was born Jan. 13, 1917, in Devol, Cotton County, in Union Valley Community near Walters, to Arthur and Emma Pearl Pendergraft. She had three siblings: Orville, who died at the age of 4 from diphtheria, and Roy, her older brother, and her younger sister, Pauline. Graduating from high school in 1934 led Esther to Cameron State Agricultural College for a year of studies as she worked for and lived with a family who owned a funeral home. At the end of that year, she decided to become a teacher and transferred to Central State Teacher's College in Edmond, graduating in 1938 with a bachelor of science degree. With three job offers upon graduation the possibilities were promising and her piano skills increased her value. Later while teaching in Lawton, Esther continued her education through the University of Oklahoma Fort Sill branch and earned her master's degree.

Esther Pendergraft married Charles "Chock" Thurman on July 11, 1939, in Lawton. Chock passed away from meningitis May 1, 1940. She was blessed to meet another fine young man to marry on Oct. 10, 1941. Paul S. Powell and Esther Pendergraft Thurman were married in Tishomingo. Two children were born to this union: Paul Kent and Barbara Ellen.

As an educator Esther worked hard to teach and influence the students in her care. In 1961, she received the Lawton Citizens' Council on Education award for "Outstanding Educator." Retiring after teaching 34 years, she and Paul had the opportunity to travel, spend more time with grandchildren, and each other. A writer at heart, Esther wrote and published two books. Her first book, "Lawton, A Child of the Prairie," was co-written with Ruth Roberson. It was first published in 1961 and updated in 1985. In December 2003, she published "My Life's Memories And The History of My Family." Esther loved to play the piano. She accompanied her brother Roy at his recitals and played for church and funerals. Sitting at the piano with grandchildren or playing for the residents at assisted living quarters brought her much joy and kept her arthritic fingers more nimble.

Esther is survived by her children: Paul Kent (Nancy) Powell, and Barbara (Howard) White; her grandchildren: Jamie (Tom) Levesy, Bryan (Paige) White, Whitney (John) White-Junger, and Ellen Powell; great-grandchildren: Katherine Esther Levesy, Laura MaeEllen Levesy, Maggie Elizabeth Levesy, John (Jack) Junger IV, Esther Alice (Tess) Junger, Aidan Paul White and Adeline Paige White; and five nephews and one niece.

She was preceded in death by two spouses: Charles Thurman and Paul S. Powell; her parents: Arthur and Pearl Pendergraft; as well as her three siblings: Orville, Roy, and Pauline.

Donations may be sent in memory of Esther Powell to the Alzheimer's Association-Oklahoma chapter.
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