Juanita Louise Vester, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, moved peacefully to her Heavenly Home with Jesus Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, from Oakdale Care Center.
On a snowy night in Cornwall, Missouri, Juanita was born on Nov. 26, 1931, on a feather bed, to Walter and Daisy Stephens. She was a graduate of Fredericktown High School.
In 1954 she and Lendel H. Vester were married, making Poplar Bluff their home. Lendel preceded her in death in January 1988.
Juanita was a Godly woman who left a legacy of faithfulness with her service at her long-time church home, Twin Springs Baptist Church, where she taught children’s Sunday School for several decades. She loved reading her Bible, listening to Gospel and Country music, sewing, cooking from scratch, flowers, nature, and traveling. She was a diligent worker both at home and at Smiley Container Company, where she retired after many years of service.
To know her was to know a lady who was tough, funny, and encouraging, who always had a smile, ready to laugh, and ready to give. She was a generous, hospitable soul who never let anyone leave her home without offering them snacks, food, and something to drink.
Those left to cherish her memory are her three children, Deborah (Alan) Thompson, Roger (Rhonda) Vester, and Steven (Kelly) Vester; 10 grandchildren, Nathan (Jessica) Thompson, Andy (Rosana) Thompson, Daniel Thompson, Joshua (Erin) Thompson, Zach (Bethany) Vester, Charity (Devin) Schlote, Titus (Rebecca) Vester, Caleb Vester, Micah Vester, and Jared Vester; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Along with her husband, and parents, Juanita was preceded in death by one daughter, Tina Diane; one sister, Thelma Vincent; one brother, Joe Stephens; and one grandchild, Rachel Vester.
Visitation will be from 10 -11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral service to follow, beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Roger Mayo of Twin Spring Baptist Church officiating. Her final rest will take place at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the Oakdale Care Center and Crown Hospice staff for their care and support of Juanita and her family.
Cotrell Willow Ridge is proud to serve the family of Mrs. Vester.
Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.