Joan Marie Lester

Joan Marie Head Lester, age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Westhill Assisted Living, in Newnan, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born on July 21, 1941, in Rock Mills, AL, one of nine children to the late Gaut and Iowa Mitchum Head. Along with her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her siblings, Junior Head, Bill Head, Marjorie Llewellyn, Bob Head, and Eris Hendricks. Joan is survived by her husband of 64 years, Perry Eugene (Gene) Lester, and children, Selina McClendon, Pam Brockman and her husband Ken, and Gena Evans and her husband Mike. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jason Wallace, Mitch McClendon (Kimberly), K.P. Brockman (Shelly), Ashley Bell (Marvin), Katie Nash (Eric), Lauren Evans, Wil Abraham (Katy), Faith Pearson (Mike), Lauren Monda (Conner), her sisters, Edith Adamson (Gene), Nancy Hill (Sammy), her brother, Jim Head (Sheila) and 15 great-grandchildren. Losing a wife of 64 years, a kind, giving mother and a wonderful fun-filled Granny is one of the most heartfelt losses a family can feel. However, we are so blessed that Joan dedicated her life to her family and her "babies", both near and far. Regardless of the distant relation, she knew all cousins, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren and never lost track of one. Her "babies," regardless of age, 84 or newly born, were her life. Her "babies" extended to many who she taught in school at Maggie Brown and Ruth Hill Elementary, daycares in Newnan and also those of us at home. She asked about her babies every day until she passed, never worrying about herself. She was a caring and giving nurturer, teacher, grandmother, mother and friend. She will always love her "babies" a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. The funeral service remembering Joan's life is Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, in Newnan with her brother, Jim Head officiating. A burial will follow the service at Randolph Memory Gardens in Roanoke, AL at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome, but those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Joan's name may do so to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Joan Marie Lester

July 21, 1941 - December 15, 2023