Louise Yvonne Lester

Our precious Queen, Louise Yvonne Stokes Lester, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023, at her home in Memphis, Tennessee, surrounded by her children, at the age of 91. She was the third child of four children born to Ulice and Levator Stokes, in Memphis, Tennessee on February 11, 1932.

Louise confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age, at the White Stone Missionary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir as a young adult. As an adult, she was a member of the Lily of the Valley Club which was responsible for the beautification of the church. In addition, she also served as an advisor to the youth and young adults; teaching them how to serve others and how to give back to the church. Louise Lester had great compassion for the sick and shut-in members. She, along with a few other women in the church, would visit these members and provide services such as cleaning, washing, ironing, and cooking. It was a ministry that she truly enjoyed.

Louise was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee, class of 1950. While at Booker T. Washington High School, in Memphis, Tennessee, where she sang in the choir. She was very proud of the school's motto, "We lead and others follow:" As a matter of fact, she taught the motto to her oldest daughter, at an early age.

On October 21, 1950, Louise married her childhood sweetheart, Willie H. Lester. A marriage that lasted 72 years. To this union six children were born. Louise was a dedicated wife and mother. As a stay home mom, she was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her husband and children. Anyone who knew them knew that she was a queen in their eyes, and that is all that ever mattered to her. She was able to attend meetings and activities at her children's school. Louise even served as Room Mother and PTA President. In 1963, when her youngest child started school, Louise decided that she wanted to get a job outside the home. With encouragement from her husband, Louise applied for, and was hired at the Kellogg Company, where she worked for 17 years before retiring. While at Kellogg's Louise met several people, many of them the age of some of her children. Because of her maternal spirit, love for people, and beautiful smile, she became affectionally known throughout the plant, as "Mama Lou."

In 1985 Louise's husband was called to serve as Pastor of Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he led the church for 29 years. Because of the love, respect, and a desire to support her husband, Louise attended Greater Pleasant Hill with him, and a few years later she joined the church under his leadership. While at Greater Pleasant Hill, Louise met several ladies who shared her spirit of caring for sick and shut-in members. They too began to visit those members, helping them where they needed. They were recognized as the "Willing Workers", and brought joy and comfort to those they served. Louise Lester was also a member of the Legacy of Stars where she served as financial secretary. These ladies met every Tuesday at the Binghampton Community Life Center, where they made crafts, did quilting, and enjoyed lunch and fellowship. Louise's favorite event was the annual tea party.

Louise was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was a loving and devoted wife, a supporting and caring mother, and a loyal and committed friend. In 2015, she was nominated by her first cousin, Delta Lois Jean Streeter, a member of the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, as a candidate for Mother of the Year. Because of the characteristics, accomplishments, contributions to her family and the community, described in the written nomination, Louise was chosen as the 2015 Mother of the Year. She was presented at the Chapter's annual Mother's Day Brunch and showered with beautiful gifts.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Ulice and Levator Stokes, her brother Lawrence Robinson, her two sisters Elizabeth Cottrell, and Georgia Nicholson, her husband of 72 years, Pastor Willie H. Lester, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Louise Lester's amazing personality, dedication to her family, and her warm motherly touch, will forever be cherished by her six Children: Cheryl Lester Perry, Anita Lester Hunt (John), Carmen Lester Warmsley, Anthony Wayne Lester, Lillian Lester Busby (Wilfred), and Darryl Burton Lester (Anita); ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Lynette Lester-Sharpe (Anthony) of Detroit, Michigan and Myra Lester Thomas (Robert) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; one aunt Gerldine Stokes, two special cousins Lois Jean Streeter of Memphis, Tennessee and Mildred Harris of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; one niece, two nephews, one great-niece, three great-nephews; one great-great niece, three great-great nephews two great-great-great nephews; A very special friend Melanie Peeler of Flint, Michigan.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 3077 Johnson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112.

Arrangements Entrusted to E.H. Ford Mortuary Services.

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