Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Elouise Lester, daughter of the late Thomas and Arnetta Sherer, was born on July 1, 1943 in Minden, WV. The 5th of six children, Elouise, aka Wee-Wee, was a loving and nurturing sibling. Elouise loved growing up in Minden where she was educated in the Fayette County Public School System and graduated at the top of class from Collins Oak Hill High School in 1961. Elouise spent the next few years taking continuing education courses while working jobs that motivate her to think bigger!!! She then decided to move to Brooklyn, New York where she had the full support of her dear cousin Helen Perkins and family. Soon after, she met and dated a fellow West Virginian and together they created a beautiful baby girl Denise. Later, Elouise secured employment and landed her dream job at NYU Hospital. She gave 44 years of blood, sweat, and tears while receiving countless gifts and accolades for her hard work earning her a coveted position as a senior buyer. In the midst of her hard work and dedication at NYU Hospital, Elouise married the love of her life Lonnie Lester III and soon after gave birth to a beautiful baby boy Lonnie IV. Over time, Elouise became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York where she faithfully served on the Women’s Usher Board and directed the Children’s Choir. “Watch out” for Elouise because every Sunday was a show!!! People would always look forward to an elegant hat that crowned an extravagant woman. Elouise was one of the most generous and kind-hearted people you could have ever known. Her total joy was in her grandchildren and she relished in spoiling them!! She devoted her life to helping her children raise their kids. Elouise ALWAYS stressed education and achievement and was very hands-on with their college and career choices. As inquisitive and outspoken as we all knew her to be, she was a complete joy to be around and will forever be dear in our hearts. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Denise Hopkins-Cabell; son-in-law, Garrick Hopkins; brothers, Houston James, Peter James and Thomas Sherer Jr.; brother-in-law, Edward Hosey and sister-in-law, Roberta Sherer and Mr. Lester Winbush (like a dad). Elouise earned her wings on July 5, 2020 and went to join her baby girl Denise, parents and siblings that she continued to mourn so deeply through the years. Her life and memories will forever be cherished by her beloved son, Lonnie (Poochie) Lester IV; devoted daughter-in-law, Monica Boyd Lester; son-in-law, Danny K. Cabell; her admired big sister, Faustina Hosey and treasured baby brother, Fred Sherer; sisters-in-law, Betty James, Ethel James; four grandchildren, Steven (Janae) Sherer, Lonnie Lester V, Kaitlyn Brown and Haven Lester; for extended grandchildren, Garrick Hopkins II, Jhermie (Terra) Hopkins, Danielle Nicholes and Philecia Hopkins; the newest light in her life her great grandson, Steven Sherer II (Duce); a very special niece and nephew whom she adored, Connie Terry and Orlando (Tomasita) Sherer; goddaughter, Charisma Kinard; godson, Taquan Logan; a multitude of loving nieces, nephews, cousins; her extended Lester family; friends and neighbors. Elouise had faithful sister-friends that she held close to her heart and spoke with almost every day: Willie Mae, Pearl and Eva.

Graveside service will be 12:00PM Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley with Bishop Sam Calloway officiating.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic mask and social distancing will be required to attend the graveside service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley