On Monday, November 9, 2026, Effie Marie Hester Bragwell, a kind lady and widow,
dear to her family and church and loved by many over many years passed away
quietly at the age of 98.
Marie, the ninth child (of nine children) of Walter Alexander Hester and Jessie
Florence Hooper Hester, was born in her ancestral home near Belgreen, Alabama on
November 1, 1928. Marie lived most of her life in Russellville, Alabama, including
59 years in her home at Hayes Avenue, N.W. She moved to Country Cottage of
Russellville in September 2023 and to Burns Nursing & Rehab in April 2026.
Marie liked school. She began as a preschooler by accompanying her sister to
school. Then, as a student, she got excellent grades and became the class
valedictorian and upon graduation spoke at her high school commencement
ceremony.
Just after graduation, on May 11, 1947, at age 18½, Marie married Herbert O’Neal
Bragwell in Belgreen. They moved occasionally to boost work opportunities,
including Adrian, Michigan for a year. After Herbert was called to service (Air
Force), his training was in Texas where they connected with Marie’s brother and his
wife before more transfers, including Herbert to Korea during which time Marie
went back to her parents’ home.
After Herbert’s Korean War service, they moved to Washington, D.C., where Marie
worked for the FBI and then back to Russellville where they bought the house at
Hayes Avenue, N.W. There Herbert had his own business until he passed at age 66.
Marie went back to work for 13 years until she was about 80 years old.
In addition to the FBI, Marie’s work history included a car dealership, First National
Bank of Russellville (now AmSouth) and Bank Independent on Jackson Avenue
(through its purchase of a Colonial Bank branch in Russellville). She was well-known having worked many years at the drive-through window. While able, she
regularly attended church.
Effie Marie Hester Bragwell, widowed and with no children, is survived by many
nieces and nephews and grandnieces/nephews throughout the South and by her
brother-in-law, Howard Bragwell.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until noon on Thursday, November 12 at Pinkard
Funeral Home Russellville. Service will immediately follow. Burial will follow at
Franklin Memory Gardens, Russellville, with a small graveside service officiated by
Bro. Gary Carter.
The family extends a sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of both Burns
Nursing & Rehab and the Country Cottage in Russellville for the love and tender
care given Marie.
