Helen Maxine Keister

KEISTER, Helen Maxine Lester, 89, died peacefully on February 23, 2016. She was born October 5, 1926 in Montgomery County, Va., daughter of Olivia and Zachary Lester, both deceased. Maxine is the widow of Talmage Keister, former Virginia State Police Captain and WWII Marine Corps veteran. Maxine and Talmage were married in 1946 and were blessed to have 65 years of marriage. Maxine leaves behind her loving and devoted daughter, Brenda Keister Matheny; son-in-law, Steven Matheny; granddaughters, Catherine Matheny-Bell and Emma Matheny Couse and husband, Charles Couse; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte Helen Bell, Robin Couse and Evan Couse. Maxine is also survived by her sister, Irene Arthur; nephew, Mike Arthur and wife, Ann; and one of four brothers, Fred Lester. During her life Maxine held positions in retail and banking work. She was a 35-year member of St. Andrews Methodist Church in Richmond, Va. She was involved in many women’s and church groups, both in Fredericksburg, Va. and in Richmond, Va. She was gifted with special talents for arts and crafts and enjoyed acclaim and prizes for her lovely needlework. Maxine was a special woman devoted to her family and friends and will be remembered especially by her family for her smile, sweet personality, generosity and loving spirit. She delighted in seeing her granddaughters grow up and was so proud and blessed to live to share in the joy of the births of her three great-grandchildren. Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, February 29, 2016, at Westhampton Memorial & Cremation Park Mausoleum Chapel, 10000 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Va. 23238. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Andrews Methodist Church, 9801 Ft. King Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229.