Sammie Wendell Lester Jr.

On October 30, 1948, Sammie Wendell Lester, Jr. was brought into this world by his maternal grandmother, Olivia Fifer Moody, in Marshall, Texas. Nana, as he affectionately called her, was a midwife who delivered hundreds of babies. Some of Sam's fondest childhood memories were from times spent at Moody Hill with his grandfather, Calvin C. Moody, and Nana.
Sam's early experiences and memories in the 50s and 60s were shaped in the communities of Marshall, Texarkana, and Maud, Texas, where his parents, Sammie Lester, Sr., Hallet Jewel Lester, his three sisters, Coletta Davis, Martrae Poindexter, Armenia Hawkins, and many extended family members have resided, contributed, and thrived.
Sam graduated salutatorian from Dunbar High School in Texarkana, Texas, in 1966. He earned a Bachelors Degree and a Masters of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Sam was very proud of his family's legacy in education. His grandfather, George Washington "Wash" Lester, earned his Teaching Certificate in 1894 from Harrison County. Numerous family members have followed in his footsteps. Sam liked to say that his university experience began in the womb while his mother earned her degree at Wiley College.
Sam's interests and curiosity were limitless. Whether it was learning to juggle, keeping up with the latest technology, or talking about sports like a sportscaster, playing a new game, creating a website, a playlist or family video, learning a new craft, or keeping up with everyone and everything in the world; Sam was always eager and excited to teach and to learn.
Sam's love of sports, ALL sports, in many ways connected him with the passion, determination, preparation, mental toughness, and grace with which he lived his life. Tennis and golf were his personal sports and he excelled as a coach in both sports.
As a student at UT, he took four semesters of tennis. He was the class champion in his intermediate class and the only Black player in all of his classes. In the late 70s, Sam founded the Groundstrokers Tennis Club and was involved in opening Fairchild Tennis Center in San Antonio, Texas. He was a Vic Braden Academy certified tennis professional promoting junior tennis development. In 1982, Sam became the tennis professional running South Austin Tennis Center.
When it came to golf, Sam would say, "I could be on the golf course every day!" Sam bought his first set of golf clubs at age 13 from his baseball coach. South Haven was the first golf course where Sam played in Texarkana. Willow Springs was his home course in San Antonio where he had his longest putt, 123 feet at hole # 8 for par. He won the San Antonio First Flight City Golf Championship in 1976, and he had a Hole in One at #8 at Circle C Golf Course. With Sam's coaching, his daughter, Marisa, became a junior tournament champion and had her own Hole in One at #10 at Great Hills Country Club.
Professionally, Sam excelled as an Educator, Trainer, Computer Programmer, and Manager of Texas School Funding Programs in his positions at Edgewood ISD, the Intercultural Development Research Association, and the Texas Education Agency. His work as an independent consultant included work in Panama. Whether it was international travel, a fun road trip, or his own "God Bless America" tour in Austin, Texas, Sam enjoyed and valued travel experiences.
Early in his adult life, Sam began looking for ways to research, document, and share family history, ancestry information, and the accomplishments of his ancestors and family members. Today, family members have access to the Wash and Eliza (WE) website also known as the Burks and Lester Families of East Texas that Sam created and maintained from April 27, 2012, until December 26, 2023. The family trees on this site contain 1461 relatives and 3375 photos. The content, design, and use of this website represent Sam's labor of love project for his family and are a resource for generations to come. In the spirit of the Lester family motto, Sam made sure "Thy deeds yet live."
Sam's extraordinary legacy continues through his wife of forty-four years, Mari Lester, his daughters, Sonya (Al) Watson, Marisa (Lionel) Crutchfield; his granddaughters Sommer Calhoun, Sammi Satori, Sundee Calhoun, Sunshyne Calhoun; his sisters Martrae (Glynn) Poindexter, Armenia (James) Hawkins and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his son, Sam Rowe, his parents, Sam and Hallet Lester, and his sister, Coletta Davis.
While we have lost the center of our heart, many have lost in Sam a beloved friend, a master at humor and witty timing, and a trusted listener who always knew what to ask and how to help you think through life's toughest decisions.
In keeping with his fun-loving spirit, we encourage you to keep his memory alive as you experience March Madness, attend tournaments and sporting events, enjoy family game nights, listen to favorite playlists and visit the places that he enjoyed with you.
There are no words that can express our deep gratitude to friends and family who will keep us in prayer and continue to extend gestures of love, kindness and support. We love and appreciate you!
A Celebration of Life will occur at a later date. Further details will be shared. We invite you to share a personal memory and pictures on this site in honor of the life of Sammie Wendell Lester, Jr.
Proverbs 3:5-6 King James Version (KJV) Trust the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct thy paths.
Spiritually, Sam had a relationship with the Lord. He was a dedicated member of the St. John Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas, under the pastoral care of Pastor James A. Hawkins, Sr.
In lieu of flowers, please send all gifts of love made out to the St. John Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas.
1213 Garber Street
Texarkana, TX 75501
Attention: Pastor James Hawkins