Irene Wallace Lester

Obituary For Irene Wallace Lester

On December 12, 2024, Irene Wallace Lester passed away peacefully to be with the Lord after a long battle with dementia. She was born March 28, 1930 to the late James Spencer Wallace and Eliza Wallace Davis.

Irene was born into and educated within Henrico County's Public School System. She accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church and served dutifully. She loved her church and supported many church endeavors and activities until her health failed. She served as Church Clerk for many years, an Alto singer in the Senior Choir, Vacation Bible School Director, Missionary member, Flower Club member, Sharing the Love Ministry member, Playwright and Director and a faithful member of Elders of Grace formally named leisure adults by Irene.

Irene was a loving wife to the late Eugene Lester an a dedicated and doting mother to the late Anita Gene Lester. She was one of nine siblings who all preceded her in death: Queen Crawley, Loretta King, Edythe Gaines, James Wallace, Lillian Meekins, Ruth Jones, Luevenia Goode and Pauline Bracey.

She attended Virginia Randolph High School Class of 1947 and attended Virginia State College (now University) where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree of Library Studies in 1951. After graduating college, Irene was employed with Winchester and Blackstone, Virginia Public Schools. She then moved to Henrico County Public Schools where she inspired countless students at Vandervall Elementary School (now Quioccasin Middle School), Virginia Randolph Elementary School, Central Gardens Elementary School and lastly John Rolfe Middle School. While running the library in all aspects, Irene motivated and sternly encouraged the students to be the best they could be. After more than 30 years of being a librarian, Irene returned her last book and retired.

Irene was a stern disciplinarian; she believed in children staying in a child's place. Known as “Irene”, “Mama”, “Aunt Irene” and “Mrs. Lester”, she loved her family and friends and was known far and wide for her serious perspective and precise work ethic.

Left to cherish her beloved memory are a host of nieces, nephews, extremely dedicated, Clyde (Gloria) Crawley and Jasmine Meekins, first cousin, Margaret Bigger; three brothers-in-law, devoted, Edward J. (Linda), James and Wallace L. Simmons; five godchildren, Wallace Bracey (deceased), Lucia Watkins, Marvin Doughtie, Pamela Andrews and Eugene Peay IV; numerous relatives and friends.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2024. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 27 at Antioch Baptist Church, 1384 New Market Road. Rev. Dr. Paul Flowers, officiating. Interment Washington Memorial Park.