Esther Lockhart Whitener was born on June 1, 1935 in Cleveland County, North Carolina to the late Theodore Alexander Lockhart, Sr and Mary Gill Lockhart.

She departed this earthly life into Eternal Rest on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the Wellington House Assisted Living & Memory Care in Gastonia, North Carolina.

Esther was educated in the Public School system in South Carolina.

Esther was a faithful member of the Divine True Holiness Church of God in Blacksburg, South Carolina where she faithfully served on the usher board, worked as a missionary, assisted the kitchen committee, and a devoted member of the Holy Gospel Singers. Esther loved worshipping and praising the Lord.

Esther was also known throughout the community as the “Cake Baker”. Baking cakes was her passion. Everyone enjoyed eating her cakes and she enjoyed baking them.

Esther loved her grandchildren and they called her “Nana”. One of their fond memories of Nana is watching her bake cakes and fussing over the bowl and spoon, and listening to her infectious laughter.

Esther retired from White Oak Manor where she worked in the dietitian department.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 4 brothers: Excel Gill, Ronnie Lockhart, Louis Lockhart, and Charles Lockhart. 2 sisters: Frances Lockhart, and Deanna Sizemore.

She leaves to cherish loving memories her husband of 51 years, Luther Junior Whitener. 1 son, Connington Whitener, Daughter-in-law (Passion whitener). 4 grandchildren; Coninnington “CJ”, Isiaha, Lela and Precious Whitener. 4 Brothers, William Lockhart, Eddie (Erma) Lockhart, Theodore ( Alzenia) Lockhart, Benjamin (Henrean) Lockhart. Sisters- Margaret (Willie) Hames, Barbara (Amos) , Roberts, Mary Lockhart, Leatha Lockhart. In-laws – Melvin Sizemore, Priscilla Lockhart, and Deborah Lockhart, CL Whitener (Roselle) and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives.

Graveside Services will be Wednesday, 11:00 a.m., in The Divine True Holiness Church of God Cemetery with Overseer Theodore Lockhart, Jr., officiating.