Irma Lester, 98, of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away peacefully, on January 1, 2025.
She was born in Panther, West Virginia, to the late Ance and Jane Chaney.
Irma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Steward Lester; son, Douglas Lester; her sister, Harriet Sue Harrison; and her brothers, J.D. Chaney and Paul Chaney.
Irma will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to her family and students, and her unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Irma was a dedicated educator who touched many lives over the years. A proud graduate of Hurley High School in 1946, she went on to attend the University of Virginia and later received her B.S. degree from Pikeville College in Pikeville, Kentucky. She served as a member of the United Teaching Professional, was secretary-treasurer of the Buchanan County Education Association from 1975 to 1976 and was a proud member of the Alpha XI Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Irma taught for 18 years at D.A. Justus Elementary, where she taught 5th grade and Title 1 math.
Irma was an active member of her church community, having been a former member of Clark Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roseann, Virginia. During her time there, she served as the Secretary and Treasurer of the Women of the Church.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her son, Donald Lester and his wife Linda of Hurley, Virginia; her brother, Leslie Chaney of Dinwiddie, Virginia five grandchildren, Robin Quintana, Debra Lester, Scott Lester, Amber Justus, and Aimee Dalton; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren. Irma is also survived by several nieces and nephews, along with many special friends and neighbors.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at Frost Funeral Home in Abingdon, Virginia, with a service to following the Frost Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment will take place at Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at 2:00 P.M. Those wishing to attend the service at Greenhills are asked to meet at the mausoleum by 1:50 P.M.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Irma Chaney Lester.
Loved her as my 5th grade teacher at D. A. Justus Elementary. She was always kind and I thought she was such a pretty lady.
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL AND A DEAR HEAR OF A TEACHER!! She will be deeply missed!!! SHARON Gibson Charles