Mrs. Mildred Mary Daniels Lester, 93, formerly of Reidsville, NC passed away Monday, October 2, 2023.

Public viewing will begin on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 12 until 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 401 Hubbard Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 401 Hubbard Street, Reidsville, NC. The family visitation and viewing will begin at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Dr. Joseph A. Bryant will deliver the words of comfort.

The committal service and Interment will follow in Greenview Cemetery, 1004 Montgomery Street, Reidsville, NC.

Mildred Mary Lester was born on July 24, 1930, in Reidsville, NC, to the late Alvis Daniels and Mildred Graves Daniels. She was the third oldest of four.

Mama Mary attended Branch Street Elementary and Booker T. Washington High School in Reidsville. She had a love for basketball, which she began playing in third grade and was an active basketball star player throughout her high school years. Her profession/career of choice was a seamstress for Burlington Industries, which she retired from the company after 28 years of service.

Mama Mary accepted Christ at an early age and was very active Mary was very active and served faithfully at First Baptist Church in Reidsville, under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Bryant. Then she served as one of the founding members of the Gospel Choir and 1-4-5 Missionary Group. Mama Mary enjoyed serving God, shopping, singing, playing bingo, riding to the casino to eat, and sitting on her front porch. Mama Mary also enjoyed watching sports on television. Football and basketball were her favorites. If there was a game being televised, Mama Mary was surely watching. One of her favorite sports teams was the Carolina Panthers and all other sports affiliated with North Carolina University.

Mama Mary was also called, "The Mayor and Governor of Church Street". She was one of the eldest within the community who could inform you of Church Street's business. If there were any issues within the community, mama would beat the city officials on the scene. Mama Mary also took pride in her appearance. There wasn't a day that went by that she didn't have on her sunglasses, lipstick, and jewelry. Her fingernails had to be well- maintained and painted pink or red. Her attire had to match, each time she went out to the stores or visited with friends. Being neatly groomed was one of the things she took pride in, along with always carrying her favorite green purse.

Even during her last few weeks of life, Mama Mary would sing a mixture of her favorite songs, "He Touched Me" and "O, I Want to See Him", along with raising her hands while shouting, "Thank You, Jesus, for everything you've done for me". She never lost faith in GOD.

Mama Mary was preceded in death by her parents; Alvis Daniels and Mildred Graves Daniels; sisters; Doretha Ruth, Katherine Davis; brother Alvis "Buddy" Daniels; and son Juan Lamont Lester.

Mama Mary leaves to cherish her loving memories to her daughter, Dawne Lester Caggins (Elliott), and son Carliss Remi Lester; five grandchildren; Gerald, Daryl, DeVette, Brett, and Elliott, Jr; three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Service by McLaurin-Harris