Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Alice “Happy” Huddleston Lester, 83, died on Monday, November 26 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Happy was born on July 30, 1929 in Alcoa, Tennessee and was a 1951 graduate of Maryville College.
On April 20, 1952, she married James P. Lester of Birmingham, Alabama. The couple spent the next 51 years living in the Birmingham area where Happy was a charter member of St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, served as an elder and choir member in the Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church and as a para professional with the Mountain Brook school system for many years. Upon the death of her husband Jim, Happy moved back to Maryville, TN where she was an active member of New Providence Presbyterian Church volunteering in many areas including their “Welcome Table” which serves meals for the less fortunate. She was also a regular volunteer at Maryville College in the Archive department and was awarded the Maryville College Alumni citation for her service to others.
She is preceded in death by parents H. Harold & Anne Crane Huddleston, sister Elizabeth Myers, brother Stanley Huddleston, husband Jim, and daughter Lydia Ann Emfinger.
Survived by sister Lydia Jane Huddleston of Maryville, son James P. (Norma) Lester, Jr. of Wichita, Kansas, daughter Alice Leigh (Gary) Shipman of Charlotte, North Carolina, son Peter H. (Christine) Lester of Eldersburg, Maryland, and grandchildren Lauren (Michael) Givens, Peter (Kerry) Lester, Jr., Rush Lester, Stephanie Shipman, and Katherine Lester.
A loving Christian, homemaker, wife, Mom, “GranHappy”, caregiver and true friend, Happy will be loved and missed by all who knew her.
Memorial service will be held at New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 West Broadway Avenue, Maryville, TN. on Saturday, December 1 at 1:00pm. The family will receive friends immediately following the ceremony.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Church, Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church and/or Maryville College.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is assisting the Lester family. Online condolences may be made at www.mycarolinacremation.com
Tom Roberts says
What a large part of our life Happy, Jim and family have been. Never has there been a person more deserving of the name “Happy” than she. The area around her just glowed. May she rest in Gods presence.
Janet (King) Webber says
Please accept my sincere sympathy at this time. While I did not know Happy personally she was certainly a frequent topic of “Happy” comments in the King family~! Surely she will be missed as she was surely loved….
Buzz and EB Barrett says
We send love and sympathy to all of you. Happy really was (and now perpetually is) a spreader of happiness.
Always remember the times when you laughed; we certainly will. May God’s blessings be with you in this time of heart-hurting mourning and always. buzz and EB
Carolynne kent says
Sad to hear of Happy’s passing. There are very few of our old neighbors still around. Bernie and Eddie live in Houston and Chris and Sam are still here in bham. Sam and Lanies three children are in the Mtn. Brook schools. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of your family.
John and Ruth Stanley says
Happy is now with her Lord and those of her family who have gone on. Halleluiah! We remember many wonderful times in Maryville, and visits with them in Birmingham on our way to various places.
A wonderful cousin, neighbor, and friend.
Jill Bonatz says
Truly a lovely lady and a dear friend. She lived up to her nickname”Happy” in every way. She was a beloved member of Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church and served on every committee that existed, plus sang in the choir and played in the handbell choir. The celebration of Jim and Happy’s 50th wedding anniversary was held at MBPC and more people attended that event than I had ever seen at our church — everyone was so happy for them and wanted to be included in their special event. Loving regards to her family, and special prayers for her dear cousin, Carroll Barrett.
Mary Lyerly Johnson says
I offer my most sincere condolences to all. Happy and Jim were friends for our four years at Maryville, and I greatly value my memories of them.
betty j pierce says
as a member of new prov. it has been a great blessing getting to know sis. happy lester also we would see each at springbrook wellness center where we both worked out. i was there today and i saw her empty exercise machine. i will miss her greatly and every one at springbrook and at new prov. another Saint has been recieved into God” precence. written in Great Sorrow Amen.
Charlie & Mary Gene Roberts says
Charlie and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. We have wonderful memories of Happy. We reconnected after she returned to Maryville. We would see her and get to visit during exercise times. You are in our prayers.
Gayle and Marcus Lawrence says
Marcus and I send our deep sympathy in your time of sorrow. Happy is among the spiritual giants in my life, having blessed and encouraged me in my spiritual journey. I am thankful we and you are believers whose faith is filled with promise and hope. Our prayers for your comfort and peace will continue. Remember the words is Psalm 31:24, “He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”