Barbara Lester

Barbara Marion Lester, 83, of Detroit, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly in her home on June 16, 2022, with her loving niece and constant companion, Evelyn Lester, by her side.  Barbara was born on April 4, 1939, to Hezekiah and Augusta Lester of Detroit, Michigan. Barbara graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1957, and went on to receive a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from Wayne State University. She had 34 outstanding years as an educator in the Detroit Public School System, retiring as an elementary school principal in 1995.

Barbara pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 1959 and remained a highly favored, dedicated, active member until the day of her passing.  In many ways, Delta Sigma Theta was Barbara’s surrogate family; she was a sister and often times mentor to those around her. 

Barbara was the backbone of her family, the glue that kept them all together.  There was no limit to her love and commitment to her family as demonstrated through the bond she had with Evelyn, her niece, whom she loved and cared unconditionally for since 2006. Barbara and Evelyn were always together—two peas in a pod, traveling the world, attending sorority functions and just living an active fulfilled life in unison.  The love they shared was that of a mother and daughter more so than an aunt and niece.  Barbara and Evelyn completed each other’s lives.

Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents; brothers Hezekiah, Jr. “Harry”, Thomas, Edward “Eddie”, Irvin and Lawrence; sister-in-law Roberta Lester and great nephew Edwin Smith.

She is survived by nieces Evelyn Lester and Kymberly Smith (Warren Haimi); great nieces Shaherazde Gaines (Darrell), Genessa Beasley (Scott), Monique Chambers (Jeffrey), great nephew Warren III; Sorors and relatives Maggie and Cyndi Penn, and Regina Collins; Seara Ramzah “Bambi” and her children Zena and Reggie, Ester Brown and her daughter Shirley Copeland, Zayden and Daylen Gaines, Jordan Milana Chambers, Jackson and Madison Beasley, Ruth Lester, and a host of family, friends and Sorority Sisters.