Evelyn Gilstrap Lester

Evelyn Gilstrap Lester 77 of Delmont Ave.,Harrisburg,PA passed peacefully October 2, 2009 in Community General hospital. She was born June 5, 1932 in Milstead (now Conyers), Georgia to the late Bertha Simmons Gilstrap and Lester Gilstrap. Evelyn received her elementary school education in Milstead, GA and was graduated from Bryant Street High School in Conyers, GA. In 1953, she graduated from Morris Brown College, Atlanta, GA with a degree in elementary education. Her work career began as an elementary school teacher in Conyers, GA. Later she taught in Rocky Mount, VA, Stuart, VA and Harrisburg, PA. In July 24, 1955, Evelyn married Samuel "Sam" Langford Lester, Jr of Savannah, GA. To this union one child who died two days after birth, was born in Stuart, VA. After moving to Harrisburg, PA, Evelyn joined the Capital Presbyterian Church where on February 3, 1981 she became a Deacon and on February 20, 2005. She became a member of the chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc in Harrisburg. In early years she and Sam were avid bridge players. She leaves to mourn her passing, her devoted husband, Sam, her sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Lester Bass, aunts: Leidies Parker, Pauline Dudley, Annie Jones (all of Conyers, GA), Ruth Lee, Rosa Craig, Lucy Pennington (all of Atlanta, GA); uncle, Grover C. Simmons, Jr (of Decatur, GA), nephews, Charles (Olive) Bass and niece; Sara Patricia Jones,grand nephews Clifton and Charles Bass III, grand niece Cristina Bass, a special cousin, Bryon Gilstrap of Atlanta, GA and a host of other relatives and friends of Harrisburg, PA and Georgia. Services for Evelyn will be Saturday, October 10 in her church at 11AM with viewing at 10 with interment in Conyers, Georgia at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens Cemetery.