Vivian Mae Romine Lester

1933 - 2024

Vivian Mae Romine Lester

April 21, 1933 - January 15, 2024

Franktfort, Kentucky - Vivian Mae Romine Lester, 90, went home to be with the Lord on January 15, 2024 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her beloved family singing hymns and songs of faith. Born to the late Ancil and Thelma Russell Romine on April 21, 1933 in Taylor County, Kentucky, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 69 years, Za Thomas "Z.T." Lester. She was the proud mother of four sons: Dr. Terry (Jan) Lester, Rev. Jerry (Bridgette) Lester, Tim (Jennifer) Lester, and Rev. Todd (Kelly) Lester. She was "Vivi" to Clay Lester, Dr. Clark Lester, Cary Lester, Brittany Watson, Bethany Lester, Isaiah Lester, Sophie Lester, Anne Katherine Lester, and to five great-grandchildren, Charlie Lester, Adelyn Lester, Scottie Lester-Wilson, Malcolm Lester-Wilson, and William Lester-Wilson. She is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Betty Romine, and sister-in-law, Hettie Logue. Vivian Lester was a graduate of Taylor County High School, Campbellsville College, Georgetown College, and the University of Kentucky. She served as a music teacher, choral director, elementary teacher in schools in Washington, Scott, Owen, and Garrard County school systems. She also authored educational materials including "Alphabet Alive" and a children's book, "Weedolph, The Tiniest Reindeer." Twice she was honored by The University of Kentucky Department of Education as "A Teacher Who Made A Difference." She gave hundreds of students private piano and voice lessons. One of her former students sang with the Metropolitan Opera and several became high school and college music instructors. Numerous piano students became church pianists. Vivian Lester leaves a rich legacy of music and song! Mrs. Lester served as a church pianist for 79 years at Pleasant Hill Baptist, Campbellsville Baptist, Mackville Baptist, Hillcrest Baptist, Willisburg Baptist, Lebanon Baptist, Buck Run Baptist, and Forks of Elkhorn Baptist where her youngest son, Todd, is pastor. On Christmas Eve, 2023, she played for a worship service at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church. She and her husband Z.T. formed a dynamic musical team that led numerous church choirs including "The Ichthus Singers," who performed at the 1982 World's Fair, and "The Patriots Quartet," which included her sons Terry and Jerry, who were a part of the Ford Philpot Evangelistic team. Vivian Lester was an extraordinary musician who wrote numerous gospel songs, including a musical that she and her husband composed based on "The Ten Commandments." And, she recorded a CD of "Timeless Piano Classics." Her inimitable touch on the piano made her playing easily recognizable, and her steadfast reply to compliments was always, "To God be the Glory." A worship service celebrating her life will be held Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church, Midway, Kentucky, with visitation from 1:30 until the time of service. Those wishing to honor her memory may do so with a donation to Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church, 480 Duckers Road, Midway, Kentucky 40347 or to the "Lester Endowment" at Georgetown College, 400 E. College St., Georgetown, Kentucky, 40324-9978. www.BlackburnandWard.com