KESTERSON FAMILY GENEALOGY

Of

Sylvester & Elizabeth (Johnson) Kesterson

Children and Family

William Thomas Kesterson 18 Sep 1808 m Hannah Ulred
Rebecca Jane Kesterson 1812 m Benjamin Lively
John Kesterson 16 Jan 1814 m Mary
Thomas Kesterson 1817 m Susan Norwood
Peter Johnson Kesterson 1820 m Susan Stroud
Margaret Kesterson Apr 1822 m William Ridenour
Louisa Kesterson 5 Apr 1824 m Jordan Lively
James Roland Kesterson 3 Oct 1828 m Eliza JaneWalker
Salina Malinda Kesterson 1829 m Wm.H. Russell
Henry Kesterson Apr 1831
Nancy Kesterson 1833 m Samuel Hosgins


Peter Johnson (1820) & Susan (Stroud) Kesterson Family
They had 2 children - Peter Johnson Kesterson (jr) (1853-1919) and Parenthia Kesterson

This photo is presented by Ross Kesterson. His dads baby sister "Ruby" passed away and this picture was stashed away with some of his grandparents stuff that she had. He remembers seeing this picture when he was a kid and fell like it is a very important piece of the Kesterson history. Scrap note with picture read "Edd Kess grandpa Kess". The old timers in the community called them "Kess", short for Kesterson.


Richard Edward Kesterson (1901-1942) is the son of Edward T. Kesterson (1878) and Mary Nettie (Jones ) Kesterson. Richard, known as "Edd" married Lula Brooks on July 22, 1922. Edd died at the young age of 42. In Edd's short life he lost his father, a half sister and his mother by age 14. After Edd married Lula at age 20 they lived through the great depression, buried 2 children, Edd found the Lord, preached & held prayer meetings for the sick and elderly shut-ins, and died of liver disease in 1942.

Granny (Lula) told me onetime that a couple of Hobo's stopped at their home begging for food. She told Granddaddy that she only had a handful of meal to feed the kids for supper. He told her to feed the Hobo, that the Lord would not let her and the kids go hungry. She told me a neighbor stopped by later that day, gave them a big sack of corn and also gave Edd some work. The Lord did not let them go hungry. When I was young, the older people of Marlowe always assured me that Edd was a "Good Man".

Family Photos









Louisa (Kesterson)Lively Family

Edith Maxine (Hunley) Kesterson (wife of Wm. Thomas Kesterson)
16 December 1945 - 31 January 1998
Daughter of Lester D. Hunley - Grandview Memorial Gardens Clinton, Anderson Co TN
Edith Maxine (Hunley) Kesterson, age 52, of Clinton, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, at St. Mary's Medical Center in Knoxville. Mrs. Kesterson was employed by Wholesale Food Outlet in Clinton as a scan coordinator. She had also worked at Proffitt's Department Store in Oak Ridge. She was born in Knoxville on Dec. 16, 1945. Mrs. Kesterson is survived by her husband, Bill Kesterson; her daughter, Tangelia Kesterson, stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Charleston, S.C.; her son, Bryan Kesterson of Clinton; her mother, Lucille Hunley of Andersonville; her sister, Bernice Hammock of Seymour; two brothers, Gene Hunley of Heiskell and Edgar Hunley of Andersonville; and by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Her father, Lester D. Hunley, is deceased. Darrell Sirmans of Kingston was considered a special friend. The funeral will be held at 8 tonight, Feb. 3, in the chapel of Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Clinton. Pallbearers will be Todd Hunley, Jimmy Hammock, Matt Sirmans, Larry Smith, Randell Williams and Tony Lester. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 tonight at the funeral home.
The Oak Ridger 1998

You may not be here with us now, but you are in our hearts and thoughts every minute of every day. I have visited you everyday since you had to leave us, but today I left you a dozen of Red Roses. I will always continue to leave them on special days like I always have in the past. We do not know why God called you to Heaven on January 31, 1998, but our loss is His gain for He has a new Angel with Him now. I know you are glad to be with your Dad in heaven, but we miss you here at home. Only God knows how much we miss you and Christmas without you will not be the same. I know when God is ready for us He will call us home to be with you. I can't wait to see you again.

Happy Birthday and God Bless You Honey. We Love You With All Our Hearts. Billy, Bryan and Tangelia Kesterson Mother, Lucille Hunley; brothers, Gene Hunley and Family Edgar Hunley and Family; sisters Burnice Hamock and Family And All Of Your Friends


Ora Lee (Brown) Kesterson Jackson, 89, of Coalfield, died Friday evening, Dec. 18, 1998, at Royal Care of Harriman. Mrs. Jackson was a member of Middle Creek Baptist Church of Oliver Springs. Known to her family and friends as Grandma Orie, she was considered a wonderful cook, an accomplished seamstress and a very special lady loved by all who knew her, her family said. She was also an avid gardener. Mrs. Jackson's husbands, (Joseph) Luther Kesterson, Edgar Jackson and Roy Jackson, died earlier. She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Jackson of Coalfield and Iva French and her husband, Gene, of West Melbourne, Fla.; five granddaughters, Vickie McPeters and her husband, Rod, Rhonda Parks, Donna Bumbalough, Debbie Kennedy and her husband, Paul, and Nancy Schuler and her husband, Tim; and two grandsons,Terry French and his wife, Linda, and Joe French and his wife, Connie. Mrs. Jackson is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Her son, J.W.Kesterson, died earlier. The funeral was held Sunday night, Dec. 20, at Middle Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. David Hanes officiating. A graveside service was held Monday morning, Dec. 21, at Davis Cemetery. Her great-grandchildren served as pallbearers. Mynatt Funeral Home,Knoxville, handled arrangements.
The Oak Ridger


Hubert and Acie Elizabeth (Jones) Kesterson - Photo by Anita Cannaday

Acie Elizabeth Kesterson age 90 of Clinton passed away Saturday 24 Feb 2001 at Windwood Health Care Center. She was born 21 Jul 1910 in Oliver Springs. She was a former employee of Magnet Mills in Clinton. She was a member of Clinton First Westleyan Church. Preceded in death by: Parents, Charley and Sabra Jones; husband Hubert Sylvester Kesterson; daughters Dorothy Josephine Kesterson, Lou Jean Reddell ; son Curtis Daniel Kesterson; brothers J T Jones, Paul Jones; sisters, Geneva Disney, Louise Jones. Survivors: Robert Lewis and wife Alice Kesterson of Leesburg FL ; Car Reece and wife Juanita Kesterson of Clinton; Melvin Stanley and wife Wanda Kesterson of Richmond VA; Hubert Larry and wife Pauline Kesterson of Clinton; daughter-in-law Vicki Kesterson of Dandridge ; son-in-law Terrance Reddell of TX, 18 grandchildren, 19 Great grandchildren, sister Pauline Ivey of Clinton, several nieces and nephews. The family received friends 6-8 Monday Feb 26 2001 at Holly Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton with funeral services following at 8PM in the chapel with the Rev. Samuel Condon and Jeff Hamilton officiating. Interment was 10:30 AM Tuesday Feb 27 2001 at Woodhaven Memory Garden. Memorials may be made to First Wesleyan Church , 821 Fowler St , Clinton TX 37716. Holly-Gamble funeral home in charge of all arrangments.






Bonnie Kesterson 1878 - 14 April 1969
Daughter of Jonathan S. & Martha E. (Wallace) Kesterson
Oliver Springs Cemetery - Morgan County TN

Miss Bonnie Kesterson, Roane Avenue, Oliver Springs died at 7 A.M. Monday in the Oak Ridge Hospital after an illness of some months. Miss Kesterson resided with two of her sisters Miss Helen Kesterson and Miss Loretta Kesterson. She was retired after working for many years in Owens Department Store in Oliver Springs. Miss Kesterson had been a member of the First Baptist Church in that city. In addition to her sisters listed above, she is also survived by another sister Mrs Myrtle Kennedy of Route 5 Clinton, a brother Raymond Kesterson of LaFollette , and several neices and nephews. The funeral will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs. The Reverand Larry Duke, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Oliver Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends 7 to 9 P.M. tonight at Sharps.

Contributed by Margery Kennedy





















Raymond Randall & Ora (Bailey) Kesterson
Son of Jonathan Sylvester & Martha Emma (Wallace) Kesterson






Alvin Wade & Billie Mae (Hensley) Kesterson
Son of Raymond Randall & Ora (Bailey) Kesterson
Alvin Wade Kesterson, age 78 of Farragut passed away Monday evening, July 4, 2005 at his home. Al was a 20 year veteran of the U S Army and U S Navy serving during WWII. After his retirement, he was a manager for Shoney's for twenty years. He was a member of First Baptist Church Concord and the Pathfinders Sunday School Class. Al was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ora Bailey Kesterson; brothers, Onard and Jim Kesterson. Survivors: wife of 56 years, Billie Hensley Kesterson; children, Ronald Kesterson of Knoxville, Debra Hill, husband Dale, and their children, Kimberly and Jonathon of Valrico, FL, Jeffrey Kesterson, wife Marianne, and their children, Casey and Jeremy of Midlothian, VA; siblings and spouses, Ruth Stittums of LaFollette, Alma and Marlin Coker of Strawberry Plains, John Kesterson of Caryville, Joyce and Bill Futrell of Spring Hill, FL, Judy and Dennis Bolton of LaFollette; several nieces, nephews and a host of other friends and relatives. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 45 p.m. Thursday followed by a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m. in the Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel with Rev. Larry Boyles officiating. Family and friends will gather at 11 a.m. Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery in LaFollette for graveside services with full military honors conferred by the Campbell County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pathfinders Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church Concord, 11704 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934. The Kesterson family would like to give special thanks to their Sunday School Classes for their support. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel 11915 Kingston Pike is serving the Kesterson family
Contributed by Angela Meadows



James C. & Jewel (Goins) Kesterson
James Clifford Kesterson - 1924 - 29 December 2003
Son of Raymond Randall & Ora (Bailey) Kesterson

James C. Kesterson - age 79 of 207 Pleasant Ridge Rd., LaFollette, passed away Monday, December 29, 2003 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Knoxville. Jim was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Preceded in death by wife, Jewell Goins Kesterson; son Jimmy Kesterson; parents, Raymond and Ora Bailey Kesterson. Survived by son and daughter in law, Danny and Lisa Kesterson of Jacksboro; daughters and sons in law, Carol and J.R. Marcum of Lawrenceville, Ga., Connie and Eddie Jackson of Knoxville, Tammy and Benny Thomas of LaFollette, Donna Kesterson and friend, Rico Caiata of LaFollette; 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; brothers, J.G. Kesterson of Jacksboro, Alvin Kesterson of Knoxville; sisters, Ruth Sittums of LaFollette, Alma Coker of Knoxville, Judy Bolton of Jacksboro and Joyce Futrell of Spring Hill, Fla.; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 31 in Martin Wilson Chapel with Rev. Andrew Ayers officiating. Interment will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday night before funeral services. Martin Wilson Funeral Home of LaFollette in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by Angela Meadows


Alma Loretta Kesterson - 13 May 1903 - 14 December 1999
Daughter of Jonathan S & Martha E (Wallace) Kesterson
Oliver Springs Cemetery Morgan Co TN
Alma Loretta Kesterson, 96, of Oliver Springs, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, at Royal Care of Harriman. Miss Kesterson retired in 1962 from Clinton Knitting Mill, where she had worked for 30 years. She was born in Clinton on May 13, 1903, the daughter of Richard S. and Martha Emma Wallace Kesterson. She had lived in Oliver Springs since early childhood. Miss Kesterson was a member of First Baptist Church of Oliver Springs. She is survived by her sister, Helen Kesterson of Oliver Springs, and by several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at 8:30 tonight, Dec. 15, in the chapel of Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs. The Rev. Tom Rutherford and the Rev. Charles Parker will officiate. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Oliver Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 tonight at the funeral home.
**From the Oak Ridger December 15, 1999


James Roland Kesterson Family

Thomas Allen Kesterson
9 November 1925 - 21 November 1997
Son of Jesse James & Nellie Rae (Workman) Kesterson
Husband of Norma Colleen Vannater

Norma Colleen (Vannater) Kesterson
4 March 1929 - 28 September 1933
Daughter of John Allen & Alma Marie (Lewis) Vannater
Wife of Thomas Allen Kesterson


Huse Memorial Cemetery Fayetteville, Fayette Co WV
Thomas A. Kesterson, age 72, of Fayetteville WV died Nov. 21, 1997, in a Beckley hospital after a short illness. He was a retired miner, member of First Church of God, Fayetteville, member of UMW, and a Navy veteran of World War II. Surviving: sons, Gary E. of Cleveland, Larry A. of Fayetteville, Thomas L. of Franklin, Donald R. of Pataskala, Ohio, Mark D. of Boonesville, Va., Kevin E. of Mount Hope; sisters, Ruth Lawrence of Cunard, Thelma Coffey of Richwood, Ruby Currin of Chicago; 12 grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, with the Rev. Robert Mattox and the Rev. Leon Nunley officiating. Burial will be in Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
From the Charleston Gazette (Online)


Jesse Monroe Kesterson
son of Samuel Whitson Dun Hill Kesterson
grandson of Eliza Dunn wife of Thomas Armstrong Kesterson
Contributed by Angela Meadows
KESTERSON, JESSE MONROE - age 78, a resident of Coalfield, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2008 at his home. He was born December 23, 1929 in Clairfield, Tennessee. Jesse was an active member and Deacon of Middle Creek Baptist Church. He had also served the church as choir director for more than thirty years. Mr. Kesterson was a retired Millwright for the United States Government, at the Martin Marietta plants in Oak Ridge. He enjoyed carpentry, woodworking, hiking, traveling, rock collecting from his travels, and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his first wife of more than 50 years; June McGlothin Kesterson, by his parents; Sam and Mary Cox Kesterson; by a grandson, Seth Kesterson; by a brother, Paul Kesterson; and by a son-in-law, Charlie Carter. Mr. Kesterson is survived by his wife, Sandra Walls Kesterson of Coalfield; by daughters, Judy Solis of Coalfield, Jenny Wendt and husband Jimmy of Coalfield, Rebecca Carroll and husband Terry of Claxton, Janet Isbell and husband Brad of Coalfield; by sons, Jerry Kesterson and wife Paula of Coalfield, Jeff Kesterson and wife Kelly of Marietta, Georgia; by father-in-law, Arnold Walls; by step-children, Tammy Jackson and husband Lynn of Coalfield, Stanley Marcom of Knoxville, Jill Craft and husband Mike of Arab, Alabama; his grandchildren include Tim Carter and wife Stacy of Maryville, Andy Carter and Amy of Knoxville, Julie Baker and husband Chris of Chattanooga, Jeremy Wendt and wife Stephanie of Cookeville, Kelly McGhee and husband Aaron of Petros, Clark Brooks and fiance Jessica of Knoxville, Kerry Brooks of Coalfield, Jesse Isbell and wife Megan of Coalfield, James Isbell of Coalfield, Jacob, Jill, and Jerrika Kesterson of Coalfield, Joseph and Kassidy Kesterson, Amber Miller and David Thead of Marietta, Georgia, Brittney and Jillian Carroll of Clinton; by step-grandchildren, Colt and Casey Jackson and Alex and Maggie Craft; his great-grandchildren are, Bailey Carter, Cassie and Zach McCraken, Kyle and Grant Wendt, Jack and Jayden Baker, Tanner and Daisy McGhee, Caleb Morrow, Matthew Miller, Ricky and Amber Reyes; his sisters are, Grace Sweet of Knoxville, Dorothy Riggs and husband Jack of Dayton, Ohio, Martha Hill of Harriman, Helen Christopher and husband Oliver of Petros, and Ruth Lackey of Coalfield. He is also survived by sisters and brothers-in-law, Madge Jones and husband Bob, Ivadell McGlothin, Fred Hamby, Don Royce, Shannon and Melanie Walls and Brenda Jackson. His special caregivers were his sister, Ruth Lackey and a granddaughter, Kelly McGhee. He has a host of special friends and extended family members. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 22, 2008 between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 pm at Sharp Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow in the funeral home chapel at 8:00 pm with Rev. Ronald Guthrie officiating. Burial and graveside services will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 11:00 am at Estes Cemetery in Coalfield. Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.




Biddie Bertha (Kesterson) Bryant
20 June 1912 - 13 April 1997
Daughter of Jesse James & Nellie Rae (Workman) Kesterson
Wife of Charles Franklin Bryant
Huse Memorial Park Fayetteville, Fayette Co WV
OBIT: Biddie (Kesterson) Bryant,84, of Fayetteville died April 13, 1997, at home after a long illness. She was a member of Gatewood Church of God. Surviving: sons, Michael W. and Charles W., both of Augusta, Ga., Robert F. of Ravenswood, Cornelius J. of Ripley; daughters, Mona VanDyke of Sequim, Wash., Joyce A. Sampson of Fayetteville, Rosemarie N. Hitt of Battleboro, N.C., Beverly A. Goodson of Fayetteville, Judith M. Pridgon of Garner, N.C.; brother, Thomas Kesterson of Fayetteville; sisters, Thelma Coffey of Richwood, Ruth Lawrence of Cunard, Ruby Currin of Chicago; 37 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home Chapel, Fayetteville, with the Rev. Morris Nutter officiating. Burial will be in Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Charleston West Virginia Gazette


Wilma Jane (Underwood) York
Wm Estell Woodwood / Minnie Jane Brock / Cordelia Tennessee Kesterson /James Roland Kesterson)
YORK, MRS. WILMA JANE UNDERWOOD - age 79 of Sunbright, went home to be with her Lord on September 27, 2007, at the Lifecare Center of Morgan County, where she had been a patient since April of 2002. She was a member of Annadell Baptist Church, where she played the piano and organ for many years. She was a graduate of Sunbright High School and Draughn's Business College and retired from Highland Telephone Company after thirty years as a billing clerk. She was preceded in death by parents, Mary Ella Jeffers Underwood and William Estel Underwood, Sr. of Pilot Mountain; and devoted husband of 55 years, John William York; sister, Wanda Underwood; brother, Leslie Underwood of Sunbright; nephew, Charles Underwood, of Lancing; and nephew, Bradley Wayne Underwood of Coalfield and Knoxville. Mrs. York is survived by brother, Estel (Bud) Underwood and wife, Sandy of Coalfield; niece, Sherri and husband Lee Turpin and their children, Luke and Emmie of Knoxville; nephew, Chris Whaley and wife Cindy and children, Jonathan and Tori of Harriman; niece, Sondra and husband Perry Spurling and son, Aaron of Lancing; sister-in-law, Ailene Underwood of Lancing; brothers-in-law, Roscoe York and wife Irene and Truman York and their families, all of Albany, KY; great-niece and great-nephew, Kim Kennedy and Chris Underwood of Lancing; and many other special nieces, nephews, and friends. The family will receive friends Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 6 to 8 P.M. at Annadell Baptist Church, in Lancing. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Goodman and Rev. Buster Armes officiating. A graveside service will be held Sunday at 2:00 P.M. in the Annadell Church Cemetery. Schubert Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by Angela Meadows from the [Knoxville News Sentinal]


Mrs. Hannah McGee, wife of Vester McGee of Creston, O., stricken suddenly yesterday wile they were driving near Cardington, died in Marion City hospital at 11 p.m. She suffered a stroke. With her husband, she was traveling to Indianapolis, Ind. Taken to the office of a Cardington physician, she was rushed to Marion for admittance to the hospital. The body was taken to the M.M. Gunder and Sons funeral home on West Center street. She was born June 29, 1892 in Pilot Mountain Tenn., a daughter of E.P. (s/b S.P.) and Jane Human Kesterson. The father survives. Surviving with her husband and father are two sons and a daughter, Estel J. McGee, John V. McGee and Mrs. Catherine Campbell, all of Indianapolis, Ind., five sisters, three brothers, two half-sisters and two half-brothers. Tentative arrangements are for the body to be shipped tonight to Wartburg, Morgan County, Tenn, where funeral services will be held.




Joseph Dunnaway
1897 - 25 November 1964
Husband of Dora Mae Kesterson
Obit: Joe Dunnaway, 67, Sunbright, died in Ohio. Survivors: wife, Mae Kesterson Dunnaway. Children: Mrs. Alex Varga, Mrs. Lloyd Lands, Mrs. Raymond Tipton, Mrs. Earl Moody and Vernon Harold and W. R. Dunnaway; 21 grandchildren. Sisters, Mr. B.H. Chitwood, Mrs. Ezra Simpson, Mrs.Phillip Olfson, Mrs. Kathryn Hennessee; Brothers, Harrison Dunnaway and Lankford Dunnaway; step-mother, Mrs. Charity Dunnaway. His father was the late W. M. (Uncle Bell) Dunnaway. Burial in Dayton, Ohio.
Morgan County News dated, 11/25/1964


James Vernon Dunnaway
26 March 1924 - 14 August 1998
Son of Joseph & Dora (Kesterson) Dunnaway
Obit: James V (Shorty) Dunaway, age 74, of Xenia Ohio, died Aug. 14, 1998. He was born March 26, 1924 in Sunbright, the son of Joseph and Dora Mae Kesterson Dunaway. He was a Navy veteran of WW II. Preceded by parents, three sisters, and two brothers. Survivors: wife, Rev. Lois Daniels Dunaway who he married, Nov. 30, 1946.; children, David Lee Dunaway and Linda Gail Dunaway; 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, William R. Dunaway and Harold B. Dunaway; sisters, Alma Moody and Betty Jo (Mary) Creech. Burial in Valley View Memorial Gardens in Ohio.
Morgan County News


Hazel Taylor, 73, homemaker, died of respiratory failure Thursday at Greenwood-Leflore Hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Williams and Lord Funeral Home with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Mrs. Taylor, the widow of Samuel Pete Kesterson Jr., leaves four daughters, Carolyn Branch, Jenny Miller, Alpha Lee and Sandy Miller, and a son, Wayne Kesterson, all of Greenwood; three sisters, Reba Cathron of Harriman, Tenn., Helen Cooney of Oakdale, Tenn., and Macel Lewallen of Wartburg, Tenn.; four brothers, Barry Goad of Encino, Calif., Albert Goad of Kentucky, Robert Goad of Lancing, Tenn., and Howard Goad of Wartburg, Tenn., 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
The Commercial Appeal Memphis TN 10 June 2000