Julia B. Lester, age 90, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 12, 2024. She was born October 15, 1933, in Council, Virginia to Clarence and Nora Hale, the second of nine children.

After retiring from Old Colony Envelope Company, Julia spent winters at her home in Deltona, Florida. In retirement, she worked as a greeter at Daytona Speedway Fan Zone for 20 years. This was a perfect job for Julia as she never met a stranger and loved chatting with the race car drivers and their fans. As a greeter she met and befriended the USAF Thunderbirds who gifted her with a framed, autographed team photo.

Julia spent summers at her home in Xenia where she and her husband, Clarence of 47 years, raised two daughters. Julia's front porch was known as the neighborhood gathering place.

Julia loved all people, Bluegrass music, playing card games and working in her yard that was filled with flowers and hummingbirds. Julia loved attending Lighthouse Baptist Church, listening to Pastor Josh's sermons, and spending time with family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, loved her, and felt her love for them.

Julia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence; brothers Buster, Bert, Buford and Paul Hale; sisters Shirley Lockhart and Anna Joyce Faulkner; brothers-in-law Curt Lockhart and John Faulkner; nephew Michael Lester.

Julia is survived by daughters, Lynda Early and Dyana (William) Schauz; a special granddaughter, Beth (Aaron) Butler who was her pride and joy; great grandchildren Morgan McClain and Mason McClain and great-great- grandson Jace Johnson; sisters Chloe Estelle (Nick) Regon and Darlene Hale; sister-in-law Rita Hale; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at Valley View Memorial Gardens with Pastor Josh Bevan officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lighthouse Baptist Church, 2040 W. Second St., Xenia, OH, 45385, in her memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.