Ester Johnson Pollard peacefully departed this life on April 2, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born on March 30, 1937, to the late Rev. A.J. Johnson and Tenner Beverly.

Ester received her early education at C.B. Dansby School. In 1956, she earned her diploma in Practical Nursing and began her professional career at Roy H. Laird Memorial Hospital. Demonstrating her determination and commitment to growth, she later obtained her Certificate of Equivalency for high school achievement in 1965.

Throughout her life, Ester embraced hard work and new opportunities. She worked as a seamstress at Nardis Manufacturing during the 1970s. In the early 1980s, she courageously broke barriers as the only female truck driver in the oilfield, working for Halliburton and Poole Energy. In the mid-1990s, she continued her strong work ethic at BorgWarner Automotive as a machine operator until her health began to decline in 2003. Outside of her work, Ester found her greatest joy in fishing—she loved nothing more than hitching up her boat and spending peaceful time on the water.

In her early years, Ester met Mack Hicks, and to this union one son, Larry, was born. She later married Alphonso Shaw, and they welcomed a daughter, Ester. Ester was then united in marriage to Eugene “Nick” Pollard, and together they were blessed with two children, Clifford (“Booster”) and Jennifer (“Tweety”). Their love extended even further as they adopted and raised their grandsons, Christopher and Braelon, as their own.

Ester’s spiritual foundation was rooted in her upbringing, as she faithfully attended her father’s church. As an adult, she became a devoted member of Kilgore Baptist Church and later Faith Tabernacle. Even as her health declined, her faith never wavered.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Annie Mae, Timothy, Ruth, and Dolly; her beloved husband, Eugene “Nick” Pollard; her sons Larry and Clifford; her grandson Larry Jr.; and her stepsons A.J., Billy, and William Pollard.

Ester leaves to cherish her loving memory her daughters, Ester Shaw and Jennifer Sanders, both of Kilgore, Texas; her sons, Christopher Pollard and Braelon Pollard, also of Kilgore, Texas; her stepdaughter, Clara Bell Crawford of Fairview, Texas; and her cherished grandchildren Alpha Mathis (Greg), Tamika Washington (Michael), Brianna Sanders, Xavian Sanders, Larry Demond, DeAcraues Johnson, and Shaun Johnson. She also leaves a legacy of love through a host of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

Ester will be remembered as a woman of strength, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Her life was a testament to resilience, love, and devotion to family, and her memory will forever be treasured by all who knew and loved her.