Helen Lastor Jester

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Texas Woman's University

Helen Jester Obituary

HELEN LASTOR JESTER, born December 11, 1921 in Meridian, Texas, passed away November 18, 2008. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, James Julius and Clara Helen Lumpkin, brother, Rueben Pickett Lumpkin, and sister, Miriam Lumpkin. Helen was a Daughter of the American Revolution graduating from Texas Women's University with a BA in Education and from Stephen F. Austin with a Master's in Education. She taught in Spring Branch ISD for 40 years before retiring at age 70. Teaching and mentoring young students was her true gift and passion. It was also her greatest contribution to her beloved community of Spring Branch-Memorial, where she moved in 1951. She and eleven other administrators and teachers started the Spring Branch Teachers' Employee Credit Union (now 1st Community Credit Union) in 1953 where she remained member number seven until her death. Helen was an Episcopal Sunday School Teacher, received numerous teaching awards, including Teacher of the Year, was active in national politics as the Precinct Chairman of Precinct 442 for many years, and a member of the Houston Opera and Museum District. Our beloved and beautiful Mother is survived by her three children, Jan Lastor Conklin, Jack Taylor Lastor, Jr. and his wife, Nika Lastor, and Jill Lastor Conti, her six grandchildren, Mary-Helen Fason and her husband, John, Julie Harris, Jack Taylor Lastor, III, Leanna Lastor Bridges and her husband, Daniel, Andrew Conti, and Amanda Conti Hawes and her husband, Sean, her three great-grandchildren, Harrison Fason, Lainey Bridges, and Madison Bridges, her niece, Adrian Lumpkin Branch and her husband, Phil, her nephew, Larry Dee Lumpkin, her great-niece, Lisa Wheat, and her great-nephew, Mark Wheat. A private family Memorial Service will be held in Meridian, Texas, where Helen will be laid to rest in the Lumpkin Family plot. Our family wishes to thank all the numerous people who enriched our Mother's life. She will be greatly missed by her family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hunter's Creek Elementary School Library at 10650 Beinhorn, Houston, TX 77024. Condolence cards may be sent to the family c/o Waltrip Funeral Directors.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Nov. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Jester

5 Entries

Ken Jester

November 24, 2008

Our condolences and prayers are with Helen's family.

Cecil Jester

Steve Shorter

November 24, 2008

I met Helen Jester in August 1981 as a new teacher at Northbrook Junior High. I was straight out of college from Indiana assigned to teach 6th grade math and Helen was also a 6th grade math teacher. She was a "favorite" teacher of the students in the school. Her wisdom and guidance impacted hundreds of lives, not the least of which was mine. She mentored me and guided me in many ways. She gave me advice as a new teacher, as well as financial advice, advice on relationships and life in general. Helen was a unique individual who led a very interesting life. She often spoke fondly of her children and grandchildren. Helen had a certain mystique about her that is difficult to explain. The world, and Spring Branch ISD in particular, is a better place because of educators like Helen Jester. I hope I will be half the educator Helen was as she is a pillar in the history of Spring Branch ISD.
Steve Shorter
Memorial High School Principal

Robyn & George Vann

November 24, 2008

We are thinking about and praying for you and your family Jill!

Carroll Schillo

November 23, 2008

I was a student in Mrs. Lastor's fourth grade class at Hunter's Creek Elementary the first year the school opened. She was a wonderful teacher who made learning fun and I shall never forget her. She inspired me to write my first poem and now after all these years I have written hundreds. After my mother passed away seven years ago, I found that poem in my mother's drawer. She had kept it all those years. I have it now and it always reminds me of the great teacher I was blessed to have in fourth grade. My sincere sympathies and well wishes go out to all her family. My name was Carroll Hermann back then.

Connie Pugh

November 23, 2008

Helen was a dear friend of mine, and I will remember her fondly. Both Ruth Clark and I taught school with her at Spring Woods Middle until her retirement. We enjoyed our visits with Helen when she was in assisted living; she was smiling and happy to see us each and every time we visited her. Ruth has recently had a stroke, but I will let her know about Helen. I still remember the last day I saw Helen before my husband and I moved to Tennessee; her goodbyes were difficult then as my goodbyes are difficult now. She was a very fine lady, a teacher who cared greatly for her students, and she will be remembered for her loving and giving life.

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