Esther Haywood

Esther Jean Haywood (; 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.

Early life Born Esther Jean Hill, Haywood was born on January 15, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from Barret's Chapel High School. She attended Lincoln University and later graduated from Mississippi Industrial College with a Bachelor of Science. She attended Saint Louis University and completed graduate studies at Memphis State University. She was a charter member of chapter Omicron Eta Omega of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Haywood was a Democrat. She was elected in 2000 and represented the 71st district of the Missouri House of Representatives for four terms from 2001 to 2009.

Haywood was a member of the Normandy Hospital Guild.

Awards Haywood received a number of awards, including the Hill to Hill Award from Lincoln University, the Lifetime Achievement Award from AFT of District 189, NAACP's National Youth Work Award, and Legislator of the Year from both AT&T Missouri and the University of Missouri–St. Louis.