Esther Mae Hood was born November 3, 1932 to Otis and Estelle Little in Wadesboro, NC. She departed this life peacefully on December 18, 2025 at Trinity Elms Health and Rehabilitation.

She was a devoted member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where she served on the Mass Choir, Spiritual Choir, EBC Choral Choir, and was involved in numerous church activities.

She retired from the Dietary Department at NC Baptist Hospital after many years of service.

Esther was a devoted teacher of the word and raised her family teaching the importance of a relationship with God. She loved her hats, loved travelling, playing bingo, and watching her Carolina Panthers play.

Left to cherish precious memories are her sons, Melvin (Stephanie) Little, Robert (Elaine) Little, and Reginald (Sarah) Little; grandchildren, Tabetha (Randolph) Childress, Melvin Little, Jr., Kimberly Smith, Brandii Little, Camille (Jeremis) Smith, Androne (Anika) Hatchett, Andre (Susan) Little, Brandon (Landon) Little, Matthew (Olivia) Little, Christian Little and Alexandrea Little; her sister, Rosetta Joyner; nieces, Rochelle Joyner and Alicia Joyner; nephew, Robert Joyner, Jr.; and a host of  great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, December 26, 2025 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.