Laverne Bell Lester

Laverne Bell Lester, 76, of Roanoke, Va., died on Monday, December 28, 2009. Many people have enjoyed her artistic endeavors throughout her life. She is preceded in death by her parents, J. Harry and Lessie Bell; a son, James W. Lester; and a brother, Ray Bell. Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Judson Ward Lester; daughter and son-in-law, Deborah L. and James M. Cumnock, of Reston, Va.; granddaughter, Jayme White and her husband, Jimmy; granddaughter, Leah Lester and her friend, Parker Williams, all of Virginia Beach, Va.; sister-in-law, Bessie Bell, of Salem; special friends, Rob and Toni Walthall and their son, Liam, of Roanoke; niece, Carolyn Stinnette, of Vinton; and nephew, Ronnie Bell, of Salem. Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, December 31, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel with the Rev. Lester Reed officiating. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.