Legacy of Her Footsteps...
(01/13/1948 - 01/01/2021)
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The walk on the highway to heaven consists of many steps that are ordered by the Lord, for those who love, trust, and obey Him. “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Shirley Ann Buckley Lester gained the victory on January 1, 2021, when she took the final step from time on earth, with its many ups and downs, to eternity in heaven, where peace and joy are everlasting.
Shirley’s earthly life began on January 13, 1948, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Grace (Neal) Buckley, Sr. She grew up there and attended the public schools, graduating from Peake High School in 1965. She later received her Associates Degree from Henderson State University, also in Arkadelphia. On December 23, 1967, after having relocated to Macon, Georgia, she married Bennie Eugene Lester; two sons were born from this union.
Shirley’s commitment to community service was characterized by her involvement in many civic affairs. Specifically, she served with the Tubman Torch Bearers, which is a grassroots fundraising entity for the Tubman Museum. She also chaired the Pan African Festival of Georgia Planning Committee. For her outstanding commitment and service to the Tubman Museum, she was recognized and duly honored in 2017. Also in the community, as a parent, she was a vibrant part of the Cub Scouts, a program within the Boy Scouts of America. She also led the Parents and Partners Community Education Program, in Macon. Her passion for social justice moved her to become a zealous advocate for the rights of people of color. Because of her love for young people and her desire for them to be successful, she often facilitated various types of activities and volunteered as a mentor with the Saving Pearls Empowerment Program, summer enrichment camps for youth, and Males to Males and Females to Females workshops. Recognizing the importance of education, Shirley dedicated much of her time in support of the Title One Educational Program. Her selflessness was, indeed, a testimony to the glory of God and the edification of others.
Being industrious, Shirley was employed first by the Bibb County Board of Education, followed by the City of Macon Mayor’s Office; ultimately, she retired from Bibb County Government, as its training coordinator.
Most importantly, Shirley’s Christian life began at an early age, when she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, in Arkadelphia. Her grandfather was the late Rev. Johnny Neal. After uniting with Macedonia Baptist Church, in Macon, under the leadership of Pastor Eddie D. Smith, Sr., Shirley served faithfully as a member of the choir; and, along with her husband, she taught in children’s church. Also, she was a member of the Health and Holiness Ministry, and she worked with the Summer Vacation Bible School. Her faithfulness to her church family was evident until her illness prevented her active participation. Even so, her morning communion with her heavenly Father remained, daily.
Shirley deeply loved her family. She was a wonderfully supportive wife and was fully committed to demonstrating her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. As a Christian woman, she ensured that each of them knew the significance of establishing his or her own personal relationship with the Lord.
With sincere joy, she nurtured their varied gifts and talents and encouraged each of them to thirst for the things of the Lord, while pursuing His plan for their individual lives; as they did, she was extremely proud of their many accomplishments. Being drawn to the purest beauty in all things, she particularly enjoyed photography and art painting; also, she had an endearing way of caring for her houseplants – each possessing its own special meaning to her.
The legacy of her footsteps will be cherished through precious memories and will live on through her family: husband, Bennie Lester; sons Rodney (Stacie) and Dr. Ronald (Dr. Shade) Lester; brothers Bobby Joe Buckley, Samuel Buckley, and Joseph “Kablaya” Buckley; sisters Elsie “Makia” Buckley and Mary Lou Bolden; 11 grandchildren: Antwan Lester, Dr. Rodney Lester, Jr., Chelsi Lester, Kennedi Mitchell, Trinity Lester, Zuri Lester, Jeremy Lester, and Emeri Lester – all of whom lovingly call her “MiMa”; Simone Lester, Emmanuel Lester, and Jonathan Lester – all of whom lovingly call her “MiMi”; one great-granddaughter, Alyisa Barber, who also lovingly calls her “MiMa.”
Unquestionably, the legacy of her footsteps will be remembered by a host of other family members and friends, some of whom were extra special to her: Tamika Buckley, Terrance Ellis, Camellia Simmons, Gwen Lester, Sylvia Lester, Lue Street, Mary Pitts Mason, Darnell Browning-Newsom, her surrogate sisters (Chi Ezekwueche & Cheryl Cabiness), surrogate sisters, affectionately known as the “Golden Girls” (Barbara Ashley, Linda Hall, & Rosa Watkins), surrogate sons (Sean Lloyd & Steve Aaron), and surrogate grandson (Daniel Johnson).
When Shirley took her final step from time on earth and her soul was welcomed into heaven, she joined those who had preceded her in death: parents, Joseph and Gracie; brothers Ed Buckley and Van Smith; parents-in-law, Frank and Teresa Lester, sister-in-law, Patricia Lester; brothers-in-law, Curtis Lester, Otis Lester, and Ellis Lester; granddaughter, Sydney Lester; and dear friend, Linda Kennedy Vanderson.
Shirley Ann Buckley Lester lived the life of a virtuous woman, as she is described in Proverbs 31. Ordinary footsteps may soon be forgotten, but those, like hers, will be forever etched in the hearts of many. And, her Lord has said, “Well Done.”
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The family expresses special thanks to her nephew, Keith Lester; her niece, Adrianne Frankie Towles; her cousin, Lorraine Kelly McCall; and her friend, Estelle Rawls. Special thanks are also offered to the families of Macedonia Baptist Church, Greater Lizzieboro Baptist Church, as well as the medical staff and personnel of Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, in Kennesaw, Georgia.