Sanka Hester

Sanka Hester was born to the late Miller Hester and the late Biner Rebecca Purdie Hester in Bladenboro, North Carolina on June 5, 1949. He was the youngest of nine children and would oftentimes refer to himself as the “last of the Mohicans.” Sanka was also affectionately nicknamed “Coffee” by those close to him. At an early age, Sanka was baptized and joined Bryant Swamp Baptist Church in Bladenboro, NC. He served as an usher and was a member of the male choir. While living in Baltimore, he joined Calvary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful and dedicated member. Sanka attended Spaulding Monroe High School in Bladenboro, North Carolina and graduated in May 1967. During his time there, he was a member of the band and played the trumpet. Upon graduation, he moved to New York City where he worked for a short time prior to entering the United States Army in 1969. After his time in the Army, Sanka returned home to expand his career opportunities. He enrolled in Bladen Technical College where he received several diplomas and certifications in industrial maintenance, light construction and upholstery. After receiving his certifications, Sanka relocated to New York City and was employed by Governor Gardens Housing Corporation until his retirement in the late 1990s. He later moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he was employed as a maintenance technician at Evergreens Center Senior Apartments in Columbia, Maryland. Sanka worked there for approximately fifteen years prior to retiring. Sanka was united in holy matrimony to Thelma Wilson-Hester on August 16, 1968, and they remained united for 32 years and were friends until the end. Their union was blessed with three children (Sanka D. Hester, Tracey L. Hester, and Latarcha Hester-Wilson). Later in life, Sanka found his life partner, Ms. Phyllis Maultsby. Sanka touched the lives of all who knew him and was loved by many. His humor, funny expressions, stern voice, loving demeanor, and ambition to conquer any task that was placed in his path will truly be missed by all who knew him. Sanka was family-oriented, he loved to enjoy life, and he was always the life of the party. Sanka was predeceased by his parents, Miller and Biner Hester, seven siblings, Emma Joy Edwards, Pricella Sloan, Ressie Jetter, Betty Riggins-Hinton, Fredrick (Freddie) Hester, Miller Jr. Hester, Sterline Johnson, and his love, Phyllis Maultsby. He leaves to cherish forever the memories of his unselfish love and infectious sense of humor, his sister, Alean Hester Faust-Charles; five children, Sanka D. (Gloria) Hester, Tracey L. Hester, Latarcha Hester-Wilson, Rodney (Shannon) Maultsby, and Kimberly Maultsby; thirteen grandchildren, Trawanda and Tracey Jr. Hester, Sayiid and Elias Hester, Tashanti and Zykia Wilson, Tatyanna and Tre Hester, Jazmine (Victor Kwansa) Dorsey-Kwansa, Esq., Diamond, Edward Dennis IV, and Cinnamon Dorsey, and Kholby Maultsby; nine great grandchildren, Skyler and Arriann White, Messiah, Azariah, and Uriyah Hester, Naomi Copes, Treasure Carpenter, Denver Dorsey, and Messiah Winstead; three special nephews that he took on as his own, Gregory Sloan, Brian K. Smith Jr., and Antonious T. Faust; special friend, Thelma Wilson Hester; reunited classmate and good friend, Purcell McDowell; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. On Thursday, December 15, 2022, God saw fit to call Sanka home. May our dearly beloved Sanka Hester rest in peace, and may God bless you all for your love and outpouring of support.

Tributes

Sanka Hester

June 5, 1949 - December 15, 2022