Mollye Francis Watkins Lester, born March 3, 1937, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2021, surrounded by her family.  She was born in Greenwood, Mississippi to Joseph Wesley (Snooks) Watkins and Mary Alice (Baby) Catlette. During her childhood, she enjoyed many summers of playing on the Sunflower River outside of Baird with her family and friends.  Following graduation from Inverness High School, she attended Milsaps College before her marriage in Inverness to William Crosby Lester on June 9, 1955.  Mollye was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and one brother, Wes Watkins. She is survived by her sister, Ann Watkins Stevens (Tom) of Middletown, Delaware and her brothers, Bill Watkins (Susan) of Hernando, and Gordon Watkins (Susan) of Parthenon, Arkansas. Mollye is also survived by her five children, Melissa Lester Hazlewood of Leland, Hubert Lester (Tracy) of Inverness, David Lester (Jessica) of Cleveland, Will Lester of Tama, Iowa, and Sherry Lester McCormack of Neosho, Missouri, plus eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Through the years, Mollye was active throughout her community, serving as Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader, and a member of the RotaryAnns and the local Garden Club. She taught elementary school at Indianola Academy, Central Delta Academy, and Lockard Elementary.  She was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Inverness, serving as a Guild member and Sunday School teacher.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, any donations in her memory be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 905 Hwy 49, Inverness, MS 38753.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 29, 2021, from 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, July 30, 2021, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Inverness. Burial will follow in Dozier Lester Cemetery in Inverness. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.