Joy Lester

Joyce “Joy” Elaine Lester, 66, of Lexington, SC passed away peacefully Saturday morning (August 15, 2026) at Wellmore of Lexington in SC.

Her Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, September 5th, 2026, at the Winterrowd Funeral home in Streator, IL. The family will be receiving condolences at 2pm and a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30pm with Pastor Nate Best officiating. Graveside service will follow in the Long Point Cemetery. The family kindly requests your presence at a dinner reception after the services and will provide details to those planning to attend.

Joy was born on September 21st, 1959, in Streator, IL to Robert and Gladys (Nelson) Bentlin. She married David Irwin Lester on July 28th, 1979.

She is survived by her loving children, daughter, Marcy Murphy of Castle Rock, CO and son, Nathan (Megan) Lester of Lexington, SC, aunt, Marilyn (Bob) McConnell of Corsicana, TX, sister in law, Patricia (James) Svetz of Hartselle, AL, niece, Monica (Kevin) Shannon of Decatur, AL and 7 grandchildren, Christian, Rylee, Eli, Liv, Asher, Lainie and Lillie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gladys Bentlin, sister, Donna Bentlin, and husband, David Lester.

For 44 years, she faithfully served alongside her beloved husband in ministry as a pastor’s wife. Her calling was never simply a title—it was a life she embraced wholeheartedly, serving God and loving people wherever they were needed.

During her 15 years at Millbrook Child Development Center, Joy’s love for children shone brightly. A kid at heart herself, she brought joy, warmth, and genuine care to every child and person she encountered. Her nurturing spirit and loving heart left a lasting mark on countless lives.

She devoted her time to the church, leading Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Pioneer Club, and other children’s and youth activities. She had a special love for children and delighted in teaching them about Jesus and helping them grow in their faith. She also participated in the Faith Bible Camp ministries and acted in the American Passion Play.

Music was a beautiful part of her ministry as well. She sang with her whole heart in the church choirs and used her gift of music to worship and encourage others. She also faithfully played the organ for church services, filling the sanctuary with music that became part of the worship and memories of so many.

Through 44 years of ministry by her husband’s side, she served quietly, faithfully, and with a servant’s heart. Her life was a beautiful testimony of devotion to God, her family, her church, and the many people whose lives she touched. Her legacy of faith, love, music, and service will continue through the generations. Her name, Joy, was perfectly fitting, because

bringing joy to others was simply who she was. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to any of the following ministries she was a part of:

Checkrow Community Church, Avon, IL

Faith Bible Camp, Yates City, IL

Bloomington Bible Church, Bloomington, IL

Talatha Baptist Church, Aiken, SC

Second Baptist Church, Beech Island, SC

West Memorial Baptist Church, Saulsbury, TN