Ester Mae Allen

Loris, South Carolina Ms. Ester Mae Allen, age 78, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at McLeod Loris Hospital. Born on September 25, 1947, in Conway, SC, she was the daughter of the late Vollie Allen and the late Ethel Todd Allen. Ms. Allen raised three girls in a small house in Bayboro, where money was tight, but love was abundant. The home she shared with her father, Vollie, remained the family gathering place for decades- holidays, summer weekends, and spontaneous visits from kids, grandkids, family, and friends- always filled with unconditional love. Ester was a master in the kitchen. She believed everything tasted better with a little extra grease, and she proudly assured you her cooking was always the best you’d ever eat. She especially loved making pumpkin pies and chocolate and pear cakes for her brothers and sisters. Ester will be remembered by everyone because you always knew exactly where you stood with her. She either liked you or she didn’t- there was no in-between. As her children, we’re still not entirely sure which side we landed on (though Janie was the favorite and Bobbie was the boss). Ester was known for her lack of patience, her honesty, and her talent for telling it like it was. She always told the truth, even when it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. And yes- she certainly left behind a whole lot of belongings for her daughters, who have absolutely no idea what to do with it all. Survivors include her loving daughters, Bobbie Pate (Robbie) and Janie Lynn Allen; five grandchildren, Kelcey Fontenot, Ashley Hardee (Dalton), Christian “Buck” Wilson, Haley Wilson (Alex), and Matthew Wilson; great-grandchildren, Anna Bannister, River Bannister, Blakely Hardee, and another precious addition expected in September. She adored all of her grandchildren, though she was particularly convinced that Kelcey and Christian “Buck” could do no wrong. She also left behind brothers, Vollie Coleman Allen (Lois) and James Allen (Becky); and sisters, Elizabeth Dew, Shirley Thompkins, and Janice Montgomery (Jimmy). In addition to her parents, Ms. Allen was predeceased by her loving daughter, Sandy Lynn Allen; granddaughter, Heather Grace Allen; sister, Vonnie Mae Allen, and brothers-in-law, Grady Dew and Billy Thompkins. All who loved her will forever remember her tenacity, wit, charm, and unwavering love and care. The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to her sister Elizabeth Dew and great niece Cherish Allen (Nikki) for helping care for her in her final days. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Hardwick Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ross Altman officiating. Committal services will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, prior to services, at Hardwick Funeral Home. Please sign Ms. Allen’s online guestbook at hardwickfuneralhome.com or call Hardwick Funeral Home at 843-756-7001 for further information.

Ester Mae Allen

September 25, 1947 - February 23, 2026