Lucille Burress Kesterson

Lucille Burress Kesterson died on January 21, 2011, at the Oaks at Mayview, her home for the last several years. She was born on February 17, 1921, in Anderson County, Tennessee, the daughter of Homer John and Nannie Grubb Burress. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John Grubb Burress and Boyd Thomas Burress.

In 1945, she married Paul Carter Kesterson, who died in 1985. Upon his entry into ministry, she joyfully performed the duties of a pastor’s wife. She lived a life of service. They served churches in LaFollettee, Tennessee, Roxboro and Swepsonville, North Carolina, the Baptist State Convention in Raleigh, the District of Columbia Baptist Convention and the Wilmington, NC Baptist Association. They retired in Wilimington in 1980. Widowed, she moved to Raleigh in 1989 to be near her family. She was a person noted for her kindness, her dignity and her respect for all people. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David Carter and Katherine Frese Kesterson of Raleigh, her granddaughter, the Rev. Erin Kesterson Bowers, her husband the Rev. Benjamin Jason Bowers and great-granddaughter, Martha Glenn, all of High Point, and her grandson Matthew Carter Kesterson, his wife Kathryn Elizabeth Auman, great-grandson Levi Carter and great-granddaughter, Delia May, all of Raleigh.

Her family is grateful for the care she received from the wonderful staff of Oaks at Mayview. They are also grateful for the visits and care from her friend Cleo Edwards.

A memorial service will held at Hayes Barton Baptist Church at 3:00 PM on Monday, January 24, 2011, following a graveside service earlier in the day at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hayes Barton Baptist Church - 1800 Glenwood Avenue - Raleigh, NC 27608.