Barbara Jean Harris Lester's Obituary
Barbara Lester was born October 29, 1939 and passed away September 4, 2025. Funeral services for Barbara will be held in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview on Thursday, September 11 at 12 noon, with the burial to follow at Rosewood Park.
A life lived for Jesus, serving and loving others, was rewarded on September 4, 2025, when Barbara peacefully passed from this world to her eternal home in heaven to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Barbara was born on October 29, 1939, in Tyler Texas to Emory and Unavay Harris. She was released from the darkness of Alzheimer’s and welcomed into the glory of her Savior, Jesus on September 4, 2025. Barbara was ever the teacher. Even as a child, she and her younger sisters played school or Sunday School with Barbara, always the teacher. She grew up in Dallas, Texas, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from North Texas State University. She started her career in teaching High School English in 1962. Barbara later earned a Master’s Degree from Texas A & I. Wherever she lived she always found and joined a local church and taught Ladies’ Bible Classes. In 1970-1971, Barbara was an exchange teacher in Birmingham, England, and enjoyed traveling in Europe with teacher friends. When she returned home, she married Bob Lester in 1974. Bob was a widower with grown children and young grandchildren. Over the years, Barbara enjoyed getting to know and loving her new family. Bob was also a teacher and principle. They loved and enjoyed each other for 30 years. Bob and Barbara retired and moved to Longview, Texas, in 1994. They became members of Oakland Heights Baptist Church where Barbara again began teaching ladies Bible classes. She also played the piano and sang in the choir.
I was privileged to visit Bob and Barbara to greet them in their home upon joining Oakland Heights. They lived one street over from my wife Rose and me. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, and their son Thomas Lester, and by her brother-in-law John Reasoner. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Betty and David Cook who are very special to me since David was my pastor for many years. Barbara is also survived by her sister Vona Reasoner and Bob, and Bob’s daughter and son-in-law Betty and Jimmy Lovin and their children Amee and Will Cain, and April and Joe Hendrix. Her great grandchildren are Brice Harmeier and Kaylynne Hendrix, Andrew Cain with his wife Courtney, Chad Cain and John Cain. Great great grandchildren include McKynlee, Kimberley, Ayden, and Hunter. She also had many nieces and nephews.
Barbara’s family would like to thank Parkview Memory Care and all the caregivers who have loved her and cared for her, also Chambers Hospice who comforted her during her last days. Knowing Barbara’s love for her Lord, she would want me to encourage each of you to examine your life and consider where you will spend eternity. God’s Word reminds us that “Today is the day of salvation. Call upon the Lord and He will answer you.” John 3:16. To all who knew Barbara, thank you for being her friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Highway 80 Rescue Mission.
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