Esther Luvinia Williams Babson, 64, of Bladenboro, North Carolina, passed away on March 26th, 2026.

Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Worthington Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 3:00-3:45 p.m. prior to the service on Wednesday.

Born December 5, 1961, in Chadbourn, North Carolina, Esther was a woman whose presence could fill any room. Though she stood only 4’11”, she carried a strength far greater than her size, proof that dynamite truly comes in small packages. To many, she was lovingly known as Shorty, a name that fit her small stature but never came close to capturing the size of her spirit.

She was known for her humor, her stubborn spirit, and her strength. Esther was the life of the party, someone who could make people laugh, stand her ground, and show up for others when it mattered most. She lived life in her own way, unapologetically and fully. One of the first things people noticed about her, beyond her height, was her striking blue eyes, one of the features she loved most about herself.

Esther dedicated many years of her life to serving her community through emergency medical services, working with both Bladenboro EMS and Bladen County EMS. Known to many as 2040, she worked alongside people who became more than coworkers, they became family. She gave over 20 years to helping others in their most difficult moments before retiring due to medical issues. Her service reflected her toughness, her compassion, and her willingness to step in when others needed her most.

She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Morris, and by those she was raised alongside and held close to her heart, the only brothers and sisters who would claim her: James Ronnie Williams, Bessie Soles Hammond, Johnny Ray Williams, and Betty Williams Turbeville.

She was preceded in death by her children, James McLeod Cameron Jr., George Robert Cameron, and Betsy Samantha Gore; her mother, Mary Ann Williams Morris; and step-father, Robert Andrew Morris. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Doshie McDuffie Williams and James Adolphus “Dock” Williams, who raised her and helped shape the woman she became.

Esther will be remembered for her strength, her laughter, her stubbornness, and the way she could light up a room. She loved her Tops snuff, beach music, fried shrimp, Animal Crossing on the Wii, and watching her favorite shows, including ER, In the Heat of the Night, Judge Judy, and Lifetime movies. If she was not watching TV, she was likely taking a nap or loving on Princess, and it brings comfort to know they are together again.

She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the burial fund- c/o Worthington Funeral Home, PO Box 352 Chadbourn, NC.