CAMDEN – A loving and devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Esther Waters Whitley of Camden, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2016, after a long illness. Born on June 10, 1931, in Kershaw County, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Celestia Young Waters. Mrs. Whitley graduated from Bethune High School and Lander College. She taught school in the Kershaw County School District and was employed as a caseworker for the Kershaw County Department of Social Services prior to her retirement in 1991. Mrs. Whitley was a member of First Baptist Church, Camden. She enjoyed playing the piano, gardening and painting. Mrs. Whitley loved her family, and her life was enriched by her three grandchildren, Will, Russell and Robin. Mrs. Whitley is survived by her husband, Harold Whitley of Camden; daughter and son-in-law, Myra and Mitch Hooper of Lake Wylie; daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Brian Land of Dacula, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Marshall and Jeannie Waters of Lugoff; sister-in-law, Patsy Waters of Camden; grandchildren, Will Hooper, Russell Land and Robin Land; and nieces and nephews. Mrs. Whitley was preceded in death by her brother, Gilbert Waters. A special thank you is expressed to the staff members of A. Sam Karesh Long-Term Care Center for their love, kindness and outstanding care extended to Mrs. Whitley during her illness. The family has entrusted their care to Powers Funeral home, Lugoff. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Sunday, May 22, 2016, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. in Quaker Cemetery, Camden. The Rev. Bruce Hancock will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.