Ms. Frankie Lester

Frankie Jean Lester, born on February 13, 1945 in Scottsville, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. She was the cherished daughter of Ezra and Vida T. Whiten Lester and a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Frankie graduated from H. B. Pemberton High School in Marshall, Texas, in 1963. She pursued her education at Wylie College and Tarrant County Junior College before earning a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Social Science from Texas Wesleyan University in 1978. Frankie dedicated her life to education, serving the Fort Worth Independent School District for 35 years before retiring in 2005. Her commitment to teaching extended well beyond retirement as she continued to work as a substitute teacher for an additional 18 years, concluding her remarkable career in May 2023.

A woman of faith, Frankie accepted Christ at a young age and remained a devoted member of Destiny Church throughout her life. Her days were filled with joy through her love of traveling, solving crossword puzzles, and tending to her garden.

She was preceded in death by her parents; seven sisters: Fannie B. Cole, Tommie D. Singleton, Dorothy Evans, Doris Herod, Lois M. Tatum, Oneida Johnson, and Essie B. Taylor; and two brothers: Charles Lester and Murray Lester.

Frankie is survived by her son, David J. Phillips (Territha); grandchildren Attallah and Akilah Phillips and Ken and Madissen Davis; her brother William Lester (Lue Nell); and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends who held her dear.

Frankie’s legacy of kindness, dedication to education, and steadfast faith will forever be remembered by those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all whose lives she touched as she rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord.