Nov. 16. Mrs. Ruth Mae Lester, 87, was born one of seven children on March 10, 1934, in Marion, South Carolina, to the late Mrs. Minnie and Eli Rogers. She departed this life into eternal rest on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021 at Autumn Care, Cornelius, NC.
She graduated from Johnakin High School and furthered her education at the University of Alaska and Horry-Georgetown Technical College. 
She was married to the late James Q. Lester, who served in the United States Air Force for twenty-two years. To this union, seven children were born. The children grew up worshipping at St. John AME Church until they moved to Lajes Air Field, Portugal and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.
Ruth was an active and faithful member of St. John AME Church. She was a Class Leader and member of the Women’s Missionary Society, Stewardess Board 4, and Pastor’s Aid Club and co-taught Adult Sunday school. She sang in the Mattie Davis Junior Choir, McClary Voices, and Senior Choir.
She enjoyed singing and listening to gospel music. She also enjoyed listening to the Modern Gospel station on her Echo Dot and seeing videos on YouTube. Some of her favorite songs were “The Prayer” – Donnie McClurkin/Yolanda Adams, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” – Morgan State University Choir, “Jesus and Me”- Luther Barnes, and “Something About the Name of Jesus”- Rance Allen. She enjoyed YouTube videos especially those by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
She was active in the community. For two years, she served as President of the Mental Health Association and volunteered with Domestic Violence.
Her hobbies included cooking, gardening, reading and sewing but her niche was watching
MSNBC & CNN.
Ruth was a nurturer and encourager to her family, friends and new people she met. She loved to be around the elderly and cared deeply for them.
She was preceded in death by all her siblings, and three children: Wayne Douglas Lester, Marian Lester Ferrell and James “Eddie” Lester, seven sisters-in-law, and seven brothers-in-law.
Survivors
Ruth leaves to cherish her memories, daughters: Marilynn Lester Hill (Sam) of Charlotte, NC, Thelma “Helen” Bowens (Donald) of Marion, SC and sons: Jerome Lester of Marion, SC and Darryl Lester of Raleigh, NC, five sisters-in-law: Catherine Lester, Sophia Evans, Cora Syphrett (Rye), Helen Lester, Shirley Halley (Ted) and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.
The family expresses sincere thanks to Carolinas ContinueCare at University, Atrium Health, Royal Park of Matthews Rehabilitation and Health, Autumn Care of Cornelius, Mecklenburg County EMTs and some very special private caregivers/Companions.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in remembrance of Ruth Lester can be made to: 
Friends of Residents in Long Term Care, 514 Daniels Street, #205, Raleigh, NC 27605 –
Website: (www.Forltc.org)
Email: friends@forltc.org Phone number: 919-782-1530
OR
St. John AME Church, 702 Bobby L. Davis Blvd, Marion, SC 29571 – Phone number: 843-423-2221.
The private graveside service is Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021.
