Esther Jimenez

Esther Jimenez, 86 and lifetime resident of Smithville, Texas passed away and went home to be with her Lord on November 6, 2014.

Esther was born on February 18, 1928 in Smithville, Texas. She was raised by her grandmother and worked tireless hours on a farm north of Smithville. Her education began at Smithville Elementary school and continued until she graduated from high school in 1947. She committed her life to Jesus Christ on July 30, 1945 and was baptized at the Primera Iglesia Bautista in Bastrop, Texas. Esther married the love of her life, Joe Jimenez on February 7, 1948; they were married for 52 years at his passing. They gave birth to four children and continued to reside in Smithville. She expressed her faith in Jesus Christ and became a member of First Baptist Church, Smithville where she taught children's Sunday School classes for 33 years. Her faithful service and membership then continued at Rosanky Baptist Church under the pastoral direction of her son, Y.J. She served faithfully at Rosanky Baptist in several capacities including the Senior Adult Ministry and the Awana's children's ministry. Joe and Esther Jimenez were instrumental in the initial planning phase of the building campaign at the church's present site. Her dedication and devotion to serve her community was demonstrated in her volunteer service for various organizations including the Smithville Chamber of Commerce, the Seton Smithville Hospital Auxillary, American Cancer Society and working as a translator for the election voting polls for several years. She was employed as a teller at First State Bank of Smithville for 25 years. Her smiles, hugs, kindness and generosity touched many lives in the Smithville area and throughout the country.

She is survived by her children, Virginia Wiesenhutter and husband Harold, Josie Symm and husband Harvey, Helen Lunsford and husband Todd, and YJ Jimenez and wife Lisa. Also by her grandchildren, Chris Wiesenhutter and wife Shannon, Melissa Kalina and husband Johnie, Trent Jimenez and wife Tiffany, Amy Wiesenhutter, Trina Hola and husband Semisi, Leah Jimenez, Thomas Frazier and Briana Lunsford. And by her great grandchildren, Caleb, Kylie and Casyn Wiesenhutter, Megan, Katelyn, Lauren and Madison Kalina, Harper and Mazzie Jimenez, Kayla, Tisi and Tiki Hola and Jaxson Frazier. She is survived by her siblings, Macedonio Arellano, David Arellano, Sally Becerra, Dorothy Martinez and Willie Arellano. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Jimenez, her parents, Antonio and Francisca Arellano, brothers, Albert Arellano, Gonzalo Arellano and sisters, Rosie Trevino and Helen Arellano and great granddaughter, Aubrey Hola.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 10, 6-8 pm at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home, Smithville. Funeral services will be held at Rosanky Baptist Church, Tuesday, November 11, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Smithville, TX.

Serving as pallbearers are Harvey Symm, Harold Wiesenhutter, Todd Lunsford, Chris Wiesenhutter, Trent Jimenez and Thomas Frazier. Honorary pallbearers are James Welch, Billy Davis Jr, Charlie Williams Jr, Gary Gutierrez, Grant Gutierrez, Garrett Gutierrez and John Jonas.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and a special appreciation for Pam, Carmella, Edward, Brenda, Jenny and Frances. Our gratitude to the many family and friends who faithfully prayed and visited her during this difficult time. A special thanks to the medical staff at St. David's Central Austin who exemplified professionalism, compassion and love to our Mom and entire family.

Memorial gifts can be made to Christian Mission Ministry of your choice or American Cancer Society in memory of Esther Jimenez.