Judith Ann “Judy, Bootsie “Bailey Lester, 73, of Oceana, WV, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday July 13, 2021, at Bowers Hospice House, Beckley, WV. She was born on June 27, 1948 in Oceana, WV, a daughter of the late Raymond Oliver and Bessie Mae Morgan Bailey. She married Denny Wayne Lester on April 21, 1972. They were the parents of their only child Shelley Ann Lester-Webb.
Judy was a 1966 graduate of Oceana High School and studied business education at Concord College. She served as secretary in the prosecuting attorney’s office at Pineville, West Virginia, for several years and later for various law offices in the area. She was a member of the First Church of God in Oceana. Her faith in God was the driving force in her life, and she served in many different capacities. Judy served as church secretary until health issues required her to give up the position. Ministry in music was her passion. She served as choir director and featured soloist her passion for Christian music took her to various functions throughout the area. Judy sang at many church revivals, weddings, and funerals. She was assistant worship leader, Christian muppet coordinator, and vacation Bible school director for many years.
Most of all, from the time she gave her heart to God on October 26, 1974, her greatest desire was to exemplify Christ in everything she did. Judy loved quilting, and she made quilts as gifts for her family. Photography, photo album organization, and work on The George Leander and Arminta Caroline Belcher-Morgan Annual Reunion were a joy.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Denny Wayne Lester one child Shelley Ann Lester-Webb and her husband Carl Matthew of Oceana two grandchildren Kailey Raeshelle Webb and Coleton Matthew Webb both of the home a sister Sharon Kay Bailey Hannah, whom she called “her faithful best friend”, and her husband Ralph of Matheny a niece Kelly Hannah Walls and her husband Patrick of Matheny a nephew Mason Ray Hannah of Matheny four great nieces Morgan Kelsey Walls, Kasey Madison Walls, Autumn Rayn Hannah, Lauren Bay Hannah one great nephew Clifton Tanner Walls. Judy considered her nieces and nephews her own children. Special cousins Lorane Morgan Hawk, Kim Cook Cline, Ray Cook and Kay Toler special friends Pat Gobel-Fitzpatrick, Pam Hall Worrell, Connie Cook, Lou and Floyd Blankenship, Priscilla Hood, and Jeff Hood whom she loved like a son.
A Memorial service will be held 1:00 PM on Saturday July 17, 2021 at the Oceana First Church of God with Pastor Herb Cook, Rev. Jerry Cook and Bro. Perry Blankenship officiating the service. In keeping with her wishes, Judy will be cremated. Denny and Shelly would like to thank the staff of Bowers Hospice House and with a special “Thank You” to Sara Harless for their wonderful care.
The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.