Gertrude "Judy" Lester Obituary

Gertrude “Judy” Taylor Lester, of 1532 Watlington Road, Gretna, Virginia, peacefully passed from this life and returned home to her Father in Heaven on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, while surrounded by her loved ones. She courageously battled brain cancer for five years, yet always had a smile for those who visited and was at peace with her diagnosis. Although our hearts are filled with sadness, our hearts are also filled with gratitude and honor for the wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend she epitomized.

Judy was born as one of eight children on March 5, 1942, in Hurt, Pittsylvania County, Virginia, to William “Willie” Vaden Taylor and Katherine James Dowdy. She graduated from Gretna High School, Gretna, Virginia, in 1960, as one of the top three in her class.

Judy met her husband, Alfred, after his service in the Marine Corps, and they married on August 8, 1964.

Judy retired from Gretna Drug Company, Gretna, Virginia. She later went on to get her Personal Care Assistant Certification, in her 70’s, and worked as a caregiver.

Judy was predeceased by her father, William “Willie” Vaden Taylor, mother, Katherine James Dowdy, brothers James Vaden Taylor, Roosevelt “Billy” Taylor (Rose), David Taylor (Doris), Jessie Vaden Taylor (Doris) and sisters Gloria Howard and Mary Shelton (Oma).

Judy is survived by her husband, Alfred Lester, of 60 years, her two daughters, Andrea Lester Phillips and Alison Lester LaRue and her four grandchildren, Aaron Taylor Raymond, Victor Blaine Phillips III, Jenna Ashley Raymond and Rachel Deanna LaRue. She is also survived by her brother, Franklin Taylor (wife Faye), sister-in-law Delores “Punkin” Taylor and many nieces and nephews.

Judy was known for her (from scratch) sourdough rolls, with a starter she had kept going for over 20 years, which she made and shared with friends and family. She enjoyed gardening, baking, traveling to Breaks Interstate Park, attending the Lee Family Reunions, visiting and spending time with family, attending sporting events and other functions of her grandchildren, and taking a few trips to the Outer Banks.

Judy was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving in Primary, as a Sunday School teacher, in the Gretna Branch. She loved working with the children and loved being of service to others. Judy was a kind, caring, brave and thoughtful soul that will be missed and remembered by the many lives she touched.

The family would like to thank Centra Hospice and staff for their kindness in caring for Judy. The family would also like to express a sincere and special thank you to Hospice staff Jetta Morgan, Carla Richerson, Mary Robinson, Rashonda Wise, Rebecca Kerr and other staff who made visits. In addition, we would like to thank the Centra Oncology group for their care and dedication while treating Judy. We would also like to thank those who kept the family in their thoughts and prayers, who visited and ministered to the family and who brought food to lighten their load. We acknowledge your acts of kindness and are grateful for the kindness you showed Judy and the family.

The family will receive friends and family at 110 Banleys Street, Gretna, Virginia. A viewing will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna, Virginia. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gretna, Virginia. Services will be performed by Gretna Branch President, John Ansted, Rev. R.G. Rowland and family. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Friends and family are welcome to join with the family as we celebrate her life and honor her as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.