[from her brother Clarence Keathley in March 1988]
Lester was one of a kind!

She lived a full life with wide experience and a consuming interest in all phases of life. Being a member of a large family she was the "pivotal" point and a magnet to all.

She was very considerate of all her relatives. She kept in close contact with relatives and friends and maintained an historical record by the use of photographs. Brothers and sisters benefited through her financial and moral support. She also made it possible, through the acquisition of the Russellville home, for our parents to enjoy many happy years of retirement. The home became family headquarters for all--children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

A dedicated, trained elementary school teacher for over forty years, she was justly proud of her profession.

We, the remaining members of the family could be proud if we could measure up to her zest for living.

***

Lester Keathley was born September 1, 1901, the sixth of thirteen children of William Tyler and Martha Evaline Lewis Keathley. She was named for her mother's friend, a woman named Lester.

After graduating from high school, Lester attended Stephens and College and University of Missouri to earn her teaching credentials. She taught at Bristol School in Webster Groves, Missouri during the week, and travelled home by train to take care of her parents and sister on the weekends.

Lester wrote a story about seeing Halley's Comet as the family rode their wagon to church on a Sunday morning in 1910. Since communication was limited, no one was aware the comet was coming, and it was a scary event for many people. But Lester remembers being unhappy that day because she had to wear her sister's black poplin coat!

Lester is remembered as an open-minded, compassionate person. Her niece Jean Gover credited Lester with helping her through the time of her parents' divorce. Lester always looked after Jean, no matter where she lived.

After their parents died, Lester and her sister Lorene moved to a house on Reynolds in Ironton. And in their later years they resided at the Baptist Home. She died in February of 1988.