Mabel Lester

Mabel Lester, age 92, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania entered into eternal rest peacefully on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at her home. Mabel was the eldest daughter born with her twin brother, Maxie Lester, on January 1, 1932, to late Fred and Vera Woods Lester.

As an adventurous young adult, Mabel decided to move north to Philadelphia early in the 1950’s but always travelled back home to Roxboro to enjoy family gatherings and celebrations. Mabel always carried out her role as the eldest daughter with a special zeal and commitment. Each and every family member understood her role and would enjoy the feedback from her when she would share her wisdom and direction.

As a young child, she attended Mill Hill Baptist Church and was educated in Person County Schools. In Philadelphia, she continued her education and became a Certified Nursing Assistant and work at Fairview Nursing Home until her retirement. She was a member and Church Mother of the Baptist Worship Center of Philadelphia and attended until her health declined.

In addition to her parents and twin brother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Howard; brothers, Otha, Robert, Fred Junior, Melvin (twin to Evelyn), Tommie Dwight, and Larry Wayne Lester; sisters, Mary Blossom Lester, and Evelyn L. Hamlett; two granddaughters and a grandson.  

She leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters, Nancy Bumpass, Bessie Howard and Catherine Howard; four sons, Gregory Howard, Andre Howard, Dwight Howard and Frederick Howard; 15 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; her siblings, Frank Lester, Corine Lester, Ann Snipes and Nannie Louise Smith; in-laws, Nannie Williams Lester, Amelia Allen Lester, Peggy Bass Lester, Mary Wright Lester, and Lamberth Hamlett, as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Baptist Worship Center 4790 James St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 10:00 am. Visitation and viewing from 9:00 am – 10:00 am. Burial will follow the service in the Northwood Cemetery, 1501 Haines Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services 7112 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19126 in charge of arrangements for Ms. Mabel Lester.

Local online condolences may be expressed at alanlawsonmortuary.com

Announcement courtesy of Alan L. Lawson Mortuary 209 Chub Lake St. Roxboro, NC 27573

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