Michael Lee Lester

Michael Lester, 68, of Coats, North Carolina, passed away on June 27, 2024. Born on November 29, 1955, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Michael was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Michael was a force for love, faith, art, and social justice. Michael was loved dearly, and is survived by his children, Tyler Lester (Kelly Barber-Lester) and Emily Dudley (Timothy Dudley). He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Isabel Lester, Solomon Lester, Aeneas Lester, and Samara Dudley; his sister, Ronda Lester-Bowles (John Bowles); his former wife, Joan Vick; his step-mother, Joan Taylor Lester; his nieces, nephews, and greats; and so many friends he counted as family. Michael is also survived by his 4-legged children Bob Barker and Rusty. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Edgel Lee Lester and Mary Magdalene Lester, and his brother Glenn Allen Lester, and by countless 4-legged companions he cared for during the course of his life. Michael was a talented hairstylist by trade; he was an ordained minister and counselor; he thrived on stage as a performer and singer; he was a storyteller, a writer and an artist; he was a gardener with a prolific green thumb, and he knitted daily; and he was an ardent advocate for social justice, arts education, and interfaith coordination and collaboration. Michael cared deeply about his family, friends and his community, and he loved hosting parties and creating memorable experiences for all his friends and family. There will be a private memorial service held at his home in Coats, NC and a public memorial service in fall 2024, to be announced by the family. The family requests the submission of stories, memories and photos to  michaellestermemorial@gmail.com.  Michael was passionate about his faith, the arts, and about rescuing dogs. In honor of his memory, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider supporting your local theater, arts education group, the work of the church and interfaith alliances, or animal rescues. Suggested organizations include the Umstead United Church of Christ UPUCC | Giving or Buies Creek Memorial Baptist Church; The Justice Theater Project or Benson Little Theater; Autism support, resources & advocacy | Autism Speaks; Paw Project Animal Rescue Relief - Benson NC - Paw Project NC or ADOPT A PET - SPCA of Wake County (spcawake.org)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Lee Lester, please visit our floral store.