Willie Clapp Lester

Willie Clapp Lester, 99, went home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 28 at Brookdale Sandy Springs in Maryville, TN.  Willie was born to I.V. and Edna Clapp on October 27, 1925 in Knox County. She was the fifth of eight children and graduated from Gibbs High School in 1943. She married her high school sweetheart, James Lester, when he returned from his WWII service in 1945. They welcomed a son – Sidney Brian Lester – in 1952, and the family moved to Chattanooga in 1961.  Willie was an active member of Concord Baptist Church in Chattanooga for more than 50 years, where she served on numerous committees. Her favorite activity was visiting the homebound members and baking goodies – especially fried apple pies – for her pastors.  She is survived by her son, Sid (Karen) of Maryville; grandchildren, Natalie Bailey (Chase) of Charlotte, NC and Nathan Lester (Madeline) of Johnson City; and great grandchildren, Kate Bailey, Emerson Lester and Dean Bailey.  The family will host a visitation on Friday, May 2 at noon at Mynatt Funeral Home, 2829 Rennoc Rd., Knoxville, TN 27918 and celebrate her life at 1 p.m. Immediately following,  Willie will be laid to rest beside her beloved James at Graveston Baptist Church cemetery on Tazewell Pike.  The pallbearers will be Nathan Lester, Chase Bailey, Bobby Ault, Billy Ault, Richie Beeler Jr. and Mark Beeler.  The family also wants to express its deepest gratitude for the love and care demonstrated by the Brookdale Sandy Springs staff over the last six years.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Concord Baptist Church, 7025 E Brainerd Road., Chattanooga, TN 37421.  Condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.