Margaret English Lester, 87, died October 9, 2021 at Sovah Health in Martinsville, Virginia. She was born May 18, 1934 in Altavista, Virginia, and was preceded in death by parents, Louise Towles English and William Curtiss English.
She graduated from Westhampton College, Richmond, Virginia in 1955. Upon graduation Margaret moved to Martinsville to teach elementary school where she met her husband of 63 years, Morton Waid Lester.
Margaret is survived by her husband, children, Courtney Lester Bell (Charles T. Bell), William Curtiss Lester, Beverley Lester Coleman (James D. Coleman, Jr.); grandchildren, Mary Margaret Whitfield (Alexander T. Whitfield), William Waid Lester, Katherine Scott Lester, James English Coleman, Tilden Lester Coleman, Anne Parker Coleman, step-grandchildren, Rives Brown Coleman (Tiffany J. Coleman), Lucy Coleman Mutch (Justin T. Mutch); and great-grandchildren, William White Whitfield, Margaret Wynn Whitfield; sisters, Joan English Allen (Richard R. Allen), Suzanne English Morse (John C. Morse), Beverley English Dalton (A. Douglas Dalton, Jr.).
Margaret was a member of The First Baptist Church of Martinsville where she had taught Sunday school. She served on the boards of Oak Hill Academy and Martinsville YMCA. She enjoyed being a member of the El Libre Book Club.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Margaret epitomized the word “lady”. Her gentle, faithful soul resonated with anyone who was in her presence. She was the beloved “Nan” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a constant cheerleader to her children and husband. While her generous spirit was her gift to individuals and organizations, it was Margaret’s quiet, non-judgmental nature that will long be remembered. She was always kind and took a genuine interest in the lives of others. She will leave as her legacy the same love of family and care for others.
The family expresses sincere gratitude to Rosetta Peatross.
A funeral service will be held at The First Baptist Church of Martinsville, 23 Starling Avenue Wednesday, October 13th at 11 a.m. A graveside service at Roselawn Burial Park will follow. A reception at 1202 Mulberry Road will be held after the interment. All are welcome. The family requests memorials be made to Martinsville YMCA at 3 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, Virginia 24112 or to a charity of choice.
Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville, VA is serving the Lester family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com
