Estella H. Curry

December 13, 1925 - August 7, 2016

Estella Hooper Curry was born to the late Thomas and Cora Lee Gyant Hooper of the Hilly Branch Township, Lumberton, N.C. She accepted the Lord and was baptized at an early age and grew up and participated in the Hilly Branch Baptist Church. She graduated from Hilly Branch High School and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. After graduation from college, she began her teaching and coaching career in Louisville, Georgia. Estella married the late Earle Kenneth Curry on July 12, 1951. To this union, two children were born, Saundra and Erlecia. Shortly after moving to Raleigh, North Carolina Estella joined the St. Ambrose Episcopal Church where she was a member of St. Ambrose's Altar Guild, Omega Choir and Episcopal Churchwomen Prayer Guild. She was a member of the Hilly Branch High School Alumni Association, National Education Association, a charter member of Guys and Dolls, Inc and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Other organizations included National Association of University Women, Y-Wives, Meals on Wheels, Y.W..A. and the North Carolina Retired Teachers Association. After thirty-five years of teaching experience, she retired in 1988 from the Wake County Public School System. Estella was preceded in death by her husband, Earle Kenneth Curry and seven brothers and sisters - Raphel Hooper, Thomas Hopper II, Daniel Hooper, Margaret Miles, Ruthell Currie and Corene Weaver. Estella leaves to cherish her memory two lovely daughters, Dr. Saundra Curry(Dr. William) Ardrey, Bowling Green, Kentucky; Erlecia Curry (Larry) Gabbin, Arlington, Texas. Six grandchildren, Lindsey and Christopher Ardrey; Larry Jr., Evan, Earle and Elliott Gabbin, one sister-in-law Gerthenia Hooper and one brother-in-law Joseph Weaver. Estella is also survived by seven nieces and three nephews. Two Godchildren and a host of relatives and friends. "In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Ambrose Altar Guild" Service entrusted to Haywood Funeral Home, 2415 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 Sincerely, -Your friends at Burnam and Son