Donnie Carolyn Lester, nee Hodge, 80, of Yukon, Okla., formerly of Belleville, Ill., born September 29, 1942 in Sumter, S.C., passed away July 27, 2023

Carolyn grew up in Sumter, S.C. She married a young airman, Arland L. Lester, Sr. on March 15, 1958, in Sumter, S.C. They were married for 65 years; she was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 wife and faithfully loved her husband. Carolyn was first and foremost a Christian, who loved her Savior with all of her heart. She was saved at the age of 12 years old and for 68 years diligently served the Lord. She worked in her church, Little Oak Baptist Church, Lebanon, Ill., in many capacities, including Associate Pastor's wife, Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, kitchen worker, and church cleaner. She also attended Calvary Baptist Church in Belleville. Her face would light up when she walked in the doors. She loved children and had a home daycare, where she shared God's word with those she kept. She was the kindest, most compassionate Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, who always had the sweetest Godly wisdom and never failed to tell anyone who would listen that God had everything under control. Mom left a legacy and testimony for Jesus that will point others to Christ, and that would have been her desire for anyone.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Ruby, nee Galloway, Hodge; her son Arland L. Lester, Jr., and her sister, Ella Mae, nee Hodge, Benjamin.

Surviving are her husband Arland L. Lester, Sr., daughters, Frances (Frank) Howard of Yukon, Okla., Janet (Rick) Sutton of San Antonio, Texas, and son Timothy (Stacey) Lester of Belleville, Ill.; daughter-in-law Marie Lester; eight grandchildren, Rachael Howard, Sarah (Brett) Smith, Emily (Andy) Shoultz, Joshua Lester, Jordan Lester, Leigha Sutton, Kayla (Jonathan) Ramsey, Jessica (Joshua) Greene; five great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Smith, Isla Shoultz, Korra Smith, Landon Greene, and Carter Ramsey; and a much loved goddaughter, Mary Frances, nee Levy, Soltys; her siblings James E. Hodge (Her Bubba), Hunter F. (Susan) Hodge, and David (Lana) Hodge. Also surviving are several brothers- and sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church, 423 Lucinda Ave., Belleville IL 62221.

Visitation: 4-7 pm, Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church, 423 Lucinda Ave., Belleville, IL 62221

Funeral: 9:30 am, Monday, August 7, 2023 at the church, with Pastor John Huffman officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.