Lucille Maynard Jester

Lucille Maynard Jester, aged 86, passed away on October 18, 2023, after a hard fought battle with COVID. Lucy was born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Ermon Good Loe “Jack” Maynard and Lillian Louise Shaw on March 21, 1937. She had an older sister, Sally Joyce, whom she adored. They spent many of their early years on a farm in Thorsby, Alabama, and attended school there. Later, they moved back to Birmingham and graduated from West End High School.

Lucy met Samuel Ervin Jester, and together they had a daughter, Elizabeth. After the family moved to Miami in 1967, Lucy began working at Miami Children’s Hospital. She faithfully served as a receptionist in the radiology department for thirty years, making many friends and training numerous volunteers. Outside of work, Lucy enjoyed various hobbies, including cooking, gardening, researching alternative medicine, and caring for her beloved dog, Rita, a basenji who never barked, which Lucy thought was great!

After the birth of each of her three granddaughters, Lucy dutifully helped Elizabeth care for them and recover after her C-sections. Although Lucy continued to live and work in Miami, she visited her family in Texas every Christmas for over 30 years until she could no longer travel easily. During spring break, Elizabeth and her granddaughters would visit Lucy in Miami, creating wonderful memories filled with beach fun, shopping, and meals at one of Lucy’s favorite restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory.

Lucy faced hardships in her life. At just 4 years old, her mother left and never returned. When she was 17, Lucy gave birth to her first and only child, who was born three months premature. After her baby spent two months in the NICU, Lucy was finally able to bring her home. She diligently cared for her, ensuring she was safe, warm, fed, and healthy. Lucy and her daughter developed a sister-like bond that grew throughout their lives. Lucy was a devoted mother who never left a phone call or text unanswered. She was known for her stubbornness, feistiness, and love of a good argument. She taught her daughter about traditions and showed her granddaughters how to stand up for themselves.

Lucy is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth, and son-in-law, John Bray, of Midland, TX. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Amanda Repnak, Allie Bray and her husband Brian Morgan, Victoria Weinzel and her husband Chris Weinzel, and Lucy’s great-grandchildren, Clementine, Gideon, Stella, and Willow. Additionally, she is survived by many Jester relatives in North and South Carolina, her lifelong best friend, Shirley Byrd in Virginia, and her cousin, Peggy Rogers in Alabama.

The family of Lucy would like to express their gratitude to the employees, staff, nurses, and doctors of Midland Memorial Hospital, especially Dr. Richardson and Amber White, PA, who worked tirelessly in their efforts to help Lucy recover from COVID.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland, TX.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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