Esther Jean Haywood (née Hill; January 15, 1940 – November 16, 2024) was an American politician and educator who served in the Missouri House of Representatives from the 71st district from 2001 to 2009.
She attended Lincoln University and later graduated from Mississippi Industrial College with a Bachelor of Science.
[3][2] She taught fourth grade in Marion, Arkansas, and was one of five black teachers at that time to integrate into Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
[3] She also served in Normandy School District's board of education for 18 years, starting in 1983.
[3] She was a member of Murchison Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.