Virginia JoAnn Lester

Virginia JoAnn Lester, age 84, passed away on September 21, 2022 at home, surrounded by family, after a lengthy illness. She was born on December 4, 1937 to Joe and Georgia Owens. She was a devoted “farmer’s wife”, working side by side in the tobacco fields and on the family dairy farm.  She will be remembered as an excellent cook, best know for her delicious homemade rolls and Kentucky Derby pie.  She enjoyed taking long walks through the fields, especially with the dogs and her grandson Jake as they went on their daily “bear hunt”.  While she often complained about the dogs, she would just as often fix them a hot pan of cornbread on a cold winter day.

In addition to her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Joseph (J.G.) Lester, brothers Raymond “Mick” Owens and James “Jim” Owens, nephew Kevin Owens and niece Kelly Owens.   

JoAnn is survived by her son, Randy (Janet) Lester and grandson Jacob Lester of Glade Spring, a brother Charles (Faye) Owens of Bristol, TN, sister Brenda (Doug) Skeens of Glade Spring, sisters-in-law June Lester, Peggy Lester, and Linda Lester as well as many nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 11:00 am at Old Glade Presbyterian Church cemetery, with Pastor Frank Branson officiating.

Flowers will be accepted or donations are suggested to the Cemetery Fund at Old Glade Presbyterian Church.