Esther Gatlin

Esther Gatlin, 96, of Cave Creek, Arizona, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on October 25, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1929, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Jasper and Nona Johnson.

Esther enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring over 30 years ago.

In 1950, she met the love of her life, Jimmy Gatlin, and the two were married in 1953. They made their home in Little Rock before moving to the Benton/Salem area in 1975, where Esther later retired.

Following her retirement, Esther devoted much of her time to volunteering at Congo Road Baptist Church, where she formed many lifelong friendships. She later moved to Lewisville, Texas, and became a member of First Baptist Church.

Esther will be remembered as a sweet and loving wife, mother, and friend whose kindness touched everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy; her parents, Jasper and Nona; her brothers, Ed and Johnny; and her sister, Doris. She is survived by her brother, Butch; her sister, Aggie; her three children, Frank, James, and Linda; as well as her beloved grandchildren.

The family requests that all flowers be sent to Smith Benton Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held there on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., followed by burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m.