Avalea Mclester

Avalea Love McLester, 91 years of age, of Oakboro, died peacefully on Sunday, October 13, 2013 after a courageous journey with Alzheimer's. Avalea was a strong, wise and nurturing person, devoted to her family and loved by many. Although she will be greatly missed, her good deeds will continue to live in the memory of others for years to come. Born April 25, 1922 in Stanly County, Avalea was the daughter of Thomas Bunyon Love and Bessie Morgan Love. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Lawrence Crosby McLester and daughter in law, Pam McLester. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM, Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. The funeral service officiated by Rev. Tab Whitley will be Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 11:30 AM in Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory, 2001 East Main St., Albemarle, NC. At other times the family will be gathering at the home of her son, Mackie and Judy McLester. She is survived by six children; Charlotte M. Morris and husband, David of Davidson, Lisa M. Turner and husband, Gregg of Oakboro, Laura McLester and Greg Lechowski, Lawrence C. "Mackie" McLester and wife, Judy, Archie E. "Bill" McLester and David L. McLester; five grandchildren; Chris M. Johnson and husband, Jimmy of Oakboro, Neal McLester and wife, Marnee of Charlotte, Jennifer McLester of Raleigh, Tim McLester and wife, Heidi of Cincinnati, Ohio and Katie McLester and two great-grandchildren, Ava McLester and Peyton McLester. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Stanly County, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the McLester family.