Patsy Lanette (Russell) Lester

Patsy Lanette Russell Lester, age 83 of Mackville, KY, passed away at 7:02 a.m., Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at her residence after an illness.

She was born to Clarence and Minnie Mayes Russell on March 25, 1939 in Washington County.

She was a 1957 graduate of Mackville High School and was salutatorian of her graduating class.  She earned an associate degree in 1959 from St. Catharine College, a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Eastern Kentucky University in 1962 and a Master of Science degree in counseling from the University of Kentucky in 1966.  She served Washington County Schools as a teacher and guidance counselor, retiring in 1992 after 33 years.  She was a member of the Mackville Christian Church.

After retiring, Patsy continued to work as a full-time farmer of tobacco as a cash crop, a beef cattle operation and a small hog enterprise.  She served as a Washington County Board of Education member from 1993 until her death, serving as chair for 29 years, and most recently as vice chair.  Through her work as a school board member, she has been involved in the construction of several new school buildings and facilities across the district, including North Washington Elementary School, Washington County Middle School, more recently the new Washington County High School, a new bus garage, as well as the beginning stages of developing the new Washington County High School into a comprehensive campus.  She was a fierce advocate for public schools and the education profession.

Preceding her in death was her sister, Roxie M. Johnson on July 18, 1994 and her brother, Joseph C. Russell on February 4, 2018.

On August 9, 1975 Patsy was united in marriage to Devon Lester, by whom she is survived, also surviving are two nieces, Carlita (Alan) Kent of Georgia and Kim (Barry) Hunter of Georgia; four nephews, Tommy (Cindy) Russell of Campbellsville, Brent Johnson of Lebanon, Patrick (Joetta) Johnson of Lawrenceburg and Dr. Felix Johnson of Lancaster and her faithful dog, Fred.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 11th at the Carey & Son Funeral Home with Rev. James Harley, officiating. He will be assisted by Rev. Nelson Reynolds.

Burial will be in the Peter Cemetery at Mackville.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be June Shewmaker, Kim Hunter, Robin Cochran, Marty Hatchett, Joatta Lupson, Dennis Lewis, Jacob Lewis and Chassity Mattingly.

Serving as casket bearers will be Justin Hatchett, Alex Cochran, Eddie Young, Kennedy Cochran, Angie Champion, Jacob Cochran, Alan Kent and Lynn Cochran..

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 Friday at the Carey & Son Funeral Home.

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