Esther Meredith Underwood Lee, passed on to her eternal home with the Lord on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Winnie, Texas.
Esther was born on November 11, 1927, in Shamrock, Texas, to her late parents, Thomas J. and Lucy Ann Williams Underwood. She was a devoted wife, loving mother of three children, and a woman of deep faith who attended the Baptist church.
Esther had a passion for gardening and could name every flower and plant she came across. Her green thumb was matched only by her love for cooking—especially her famous gumbo, peach cobbler, and the beloved “Mamaw cakes” that each grandchild claimed as their favorite. She found true joy in being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.
She was the heart of her home—loving, kind, and 100% devoted to her family. Ester had a welcoming spirit and never met a stranger. Her quirky sense of humor, bright smile, and natural gift for hospitality made everyone feel at ease in her presence. She was a homebody at heart, content to stay in the background while making sure everyone else felt seen and cared for.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William E. Lee; her daughter, JoAnn Jezek; her four brothers, William Underwood, Lawrence Underwood, Olen “Bud” Underwood, and John Underwood; and her four sisters, Flora Estelle Uvalde Laberta “Sis” U. Henry, Lucy Estelene U. Spence, Dolores U. Guillory, and Lilly May U. Lee.
She leaves behind a loving legacy in her daughter, Yuvette Henson; her son, James Wagers and wife Mary; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Ethelene U. Trahan; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Esther’s life on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N. Main St., Dayton, Texas. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside and committal service will take place at Palms Memorial Park in Dayton, Texas.
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