Mother Bertha Louise Lester of 360 Church Avenue, Byromville, Georgia died Sunday, September 4, 2022 at her residence.

The graveside funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Bay Point CME Church Cemetery in Byromville, Georgia.  Everyone in attendance is asked to please wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

Bertha Louise Lester was born to the parentage of the late Mary Lizzie Jefferson Lester and the late Eugene Lester in Dooly County, Georgia.  She was the third child of eleven siblings, each of whom preceded her in death.

Education was very valuable to her and one of her favorite quotes was, "if you get it in your head, nobody can take it from you." Because of the times and difficulties of the country when she was young, she was only able to complete elementary school.   However she was an avid reader and correspondent learner.  Thus she was very proud when she passed the CNA test with ease.  She also lived vicariously through her children; she supported and encouraged them to be continuous learners.  She also valued and taught her  children to work and make your work count.

She joined Bay Point C. M. E. Church at an early age.  In later years, she moved her membership to Byrom Chapel C. M. E. Church in Byromville, Georgia where she served as Secretary for many years.

A woman of great wisdom, she had many sayings and quotes that she shared over the years.  All survivors will remember one of her often stated quotes, "I ain't fatten no frogs for snakes!"

She was married to the late Army Lester, Jr., yes she was born a "Lester" and married a "Lester".   This always caused concern when the children applied for Social Security cards; it had to be explained that her maiden name was indeed "Lester."

She will be remembered by her seven children:  Mary Harmon of Macon, Georgia, Lucy Lester of Byromville, Georgia, Johnnie Bennett (John) Lester of Florence, South Carolina, Patricia (Dr. Horace) Matthews of Allendale, South Carolina, Pamela Lester of Detroit, Michigan, Virlin Lester of Riverdale, Georgia, and Dr. Army (Etta) Lester of Kennesaw, Georgia; fourteen grandchildren:  Adrian (Kimberly) Harmon, Cornelius B. Hooper, Dr. Alvin (Dr. Tamia) Harmon, Stacy Bennett, Dawn Lester, Olando R. Lester, James (Margina) Whitfield, Anthony Hooper, Ashley Matthews, Justin Matthews, Brian (Kimberly) Gibson, Gregory (Shovanna) Lester, Rachel Lester, and Geoffery Lester; nineteen great grandchildren; four great, great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, to include: Paulette Hooper, Kenneth Lester, Roosevelt Lester, Lucille Caldwell Frazier, and Johnnie (John) Lister.  She will also be remembered by a host of other relatives and friends.