| Notes |
- Lester Keathley, 86, of Ironton died Friday, Feb. 19, 1988, at The Baptist Home.
She was born Sept. 1, 1901, daughter of W.T. and Martha Evaline (Lewis) Keathley. She attended Ironton Public Schools and graduated in 1921. She received her AA Degree from Stephens College in 1921, her bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in1928, and her aster's degree from the University of Missouri in 1931.
She began her career of teaching at the Cove School from 1921 to 1922.
She taught at the Ironton School from 1923 to 1924, Arcadia School from 1925 to 1927; Sikeston School from 1929 to 1930; and a Webster Groves school from 1930 to 1966.
She entered The Baptist Home March 13,1984, where she remained a resident until her death. She was a member of Ironton First Baptist Church.
Survivors include four brothers: Marshall Keathley, Denver, Colo., Elmer Keathley, Walnut Creek, Calif., Hershall Keathley, Ironton, and Clarence Keathley, Northbrook, Ill.; two sisters: Lorene Keathley, Ironton, and Myrene Wallace, Bismarck.
Services were held Monday, Feb.22, 1988, at 11 a.m. at the Ironton First Baptist Church, under the direction of White Funeral Home, Ironton. The Rev. Keith Huffman officiated. Jackie Huffman was organist, playing 'Blessed Assurance,"Rock of Ages,' and 'Sun of My Soul.' Soloist Carol McBurney sang, 'The Lord is My Shepherd.' Pallbearers were Tom Lorenz, Bill Russell, Charley Brooks, Ken Blanton, Jack Vickery and Mike Goodwin. Interment was in Arcadia Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Ironton.
(Source: THE MOUNTAIN ECHO Ironton, Iron Co., MO 2/24/1988)
!NOTES
Lester Keathley was never married.
This research note courtesy of Linda E. Lewis, George Lewis Descendants, published October 1992.
- [from her brother Clarence Keathley in March 1988]
Lester was one of a kind!
She lived a full life with wide experience and a consuming interest in all phases of life. Being a member of a large family she was the "pivotal" point and a magnet to all.
She was very considerate of all her relatives. She kept in close contact with relatives and friends and maintained an historical record by the use of photographs. Brothers and sisters benefited through her financial and moral support. She also made it possible, through the acquisition of the Russellville home, for our parents to enjoy many happy years of retirement. The home became family headquarters for all--children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.
A dedicated, trained elementary school teacher for over forty years, she was justly proud of her profession.
We, the remaining members of the family could be proud if we could measure up to her zest for living.
***
Lester Keathley was born September 1, 1901, the sixth of thirteen children of William Tyler and Martha Evaline Lewis Keathley. She was named for her mother's friend, a woman named Lester.
After graduating from high school, Lester attended Stephens and College and University of Missouri to earn her teaching credentials. She taught at Bristol School in Webster Groves, Missouri during the week, and travelled home by train to take care of her parents and sister on the weekends.
Lester wrote a story about seeing Halley's Comet as the family rode their wagon to church on a Sunday morning in 1910. Since communication was limited, no one was aware the comet was coming, and it was a scary event for many people. But Lester remembers being unhappy that day because she had to wear her sister's black poplin coat!
Lester is remembered as an open-minded, compassionate person. Her niece Jean Gover credited Lester with helping her through the time of her parents' divorce. Lester always looked after Jean, no matter where she lived.
After their parents died, Lester and her sister Lorene moved to a house on Reynolds in Ironton. And in their later years they resided at the Baptist Home. She died in February of 1988.
|
1901 - 1988 (86 years)
