Shelby Jean Owen Lester
August 17, 1950 – November 27, 2022
A native of Henderson County, Shelby Lester was taken home to be with Jesus on Sunday, November 27th surrounded by her family, who will strive to honor her memory by living their lives to the fullest. Shelby’s 72 years on this earth were well-lived. She had faith in where she was going and those who had gone on before her would be waiting to greet her home. She was the daughter of the late Lorenzo Owen and Francis ‘Viola’ Owen of Transylvania County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Charles Ruff, and her second husband, Hubert Daniel Lester. As well as her five siblings, Frank Virgil Owen, Charles Lee Owen, Betty Jean Lail, Jerry David Owen, and Mildred Ann Owen.
She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend. She was well-loved and will be missed terribly.
John II 25-26 Jesus told her “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die”.
She is survived by her daughters, Melissa (Travis) Corn, Regina (DP) Peters, Cristy (Chris) Stevenson, and her son, Steven Lester along with her special 4-legged companion Baxter. Her grandchildren, Whitney Elliott, Tyler (Ashley) Corn, Brianna (Ben) Wright, Caleb Stevenson, Emma Stevenson, Mia Stevenson, Alley Lester, and Thomas Lester. Her great-grandchildren, Chevy Owens, Chevelle Owens, and Silvia Marler. Her nephews, Billy Lail, Ronnie Lail, Carol Owen, and her cousin (but close as a sister) Linda (Jimme) Segur, and her best friend for many decades, Judy Lipe, and many other family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM Sunday, December 4, 2022
To our sweet Mom, we love you more than words, hugs, or I Love You’s will ever say! Though, we miss you terribly, we know you are with Jesus and surrounded by those who have gone on before you. You leave a void that will be held until we meet again. Thank you for being a Great Mom!
I have known Shelby my whole entire life. She was a very wonderful lady, cared about everybody and looked out for everybody. I went to school with her daughters and son. I can remember when my mom and her but I always hang out at the school ready to pick us up. She would come down to my mom‘s house all the time. My mom and her was best friends she was another mother to me. She will be missed very much, but one day we will see you’re in heaven. I know she is walking on streets of Gold, and singing the heavenly father and singing music with all the people she has known her whole life.
I’m so sorry to hear of Shelby Jean’s passing. I remember her as always being a kind,sweet and joyful lady.May you all find peace and comfort in all the happy memories of time spent with her. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Marilyn Galloway
I miss you Shelby I loved you so much you comed to all my birthday party’s and I love you so much
Shelby you will be missed dearly by many. You was like a mama to me and was a wonderful Woman. I Love you and will never Forget you.
Dear Melissa, Regina,
I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet Mother. Take comfort in her knowledge of where she was destined thru her faith in Jesus Christ. May God comfort each of you as only He can.
Love and prayers,
Peggy Case Grice