Lessie Delone O’Neal Lester of Bud Mountain passed away at the Bower Hospice House on August 26, 2021 with her children by her side. 

Born March 18, 1932 on Bud Mountain. She was the daughter of the late Andrew O’Neal and Laura “Mitchem” O’Neal. 

Lessie was a faithful member of the New Hope Baptist Church for the past 60 years. She loved going to church and always looked forward to the service. 

She was a devoted mother, homemaker, and an excellent cook. She also enjoyed spending her time sewing, quilting, and reading. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl, her precious daughter, Cathy Nuckolls, and son-in-law, Dale Burgess. Brothers Robert “Bob” O’Neal, Melvin O’Neal, infant sister Elizabeth, and her lifelong friend, Rosalyn Whitt. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her brothers, Andrew “Jr” O’Neal and 

wife Mary of Alpoca, and Larry O’Neal of Mullens. Sisters, Bonnie Whitt and husband Fred of Bud Mountain and Betty Tilley and husband Kermit of Bud. Son, Larry Sansom and wife Cindy of Princeton, daughters Clara Scott and husband John of Bud Mountain, Bonnie Justus and husband Billy of Brenton, Charlotte Burgess of Glen Rogers, Son-in-law Larry Nuckolls of Bud Mountain, and close family friend Ronnie Lusk. She also leaves her precious grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, which she cherished. 

Services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, August 30, 2021 at Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel, Mullens with Elder John Caves officiating. Burial will follow in Hickory Ridge Cemetery, Bud Mountain. 

Friends may call one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home. 

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. 

The family would also like to thank her sister, Bonnie Whitt, and niece. Joanna Vargas, for all the love and care they gave during mom and dad’s final days.