Joe Lester Mayberry

Joe Lester Mayberry was born on October 23, 1953, to R.L. and Odessa Mayberry in Shiner, Texas. He attended Shiner High School, where he completed his education. At an early age, Joe accepted Christ as his Savior at New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Sampson.

Joe had a love for music and performed in a live band across various nearby towns. He was employed at Tex Stand in Yoakum, Texas, early in his career.

Later, Joe relocated to Houston, Texas, where he worked at CPI Sells. It was during this time that he met Georgia Mayberry, and the two were married while living in Houston. Joe then began working at Gasco Building Supplies, where he remained for 15 years before returning to his hometown of Shiner. Eventually, he met Connie, and together they made their home in Schulenburg, Texas. From this union came two children, Chrystal and Shane Mayberry.

Joe was a hardworking man who also spent many years farming and ranching. He deeply loved his family and took great joy in preparing meals, especially when barbecuing. Joe also enjoyed fishing, dancing, and singing-he truly was the life of the party. Whenever he returned to Shiner, he made it a point to visit family and friends.

In his later years, Joe became a devoted member of Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Jerrell Barron. He sang in the choir and remained steadfast in his faith.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, R.L. and Odessa Mayberry; his son, Russell Dilworth; siblings Morris Ray Mayberry, Emma Simon, Beulah Flowers, Nona Giles, Floyd Mayberry, and E.L. Mayberry; and his granddaughter, Valencia Speed.

He leaves behind a legacy cherished by his wife, Connie Speed Mayberry of Schulenburg, Texas; daughters Chrystal Speed, Debra Anderson, Erica, and April; son Shane (Monica) Mayberry; brothers James (Christina), Elvis (Pearl), Ronnie (Janell), Marvin (Jackie), and Bruce (Mary) Mayberry; sisters Maxine Mation, Sandra (Douglas) Gates, and Carolyn Gates; brother-in-law Ivan (Brenda) Runnels; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Joe's presence will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love, laughter, and faith will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.