Annie Hagood Lester

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalms 116:15 KJV

Ann was born, raised and resided in Greenville, South Carolina. She was a daughter of the late Henry Hagood and Ida Booker Hagood. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ben Lester; one brother, John Henry Hagood; a stepson, Rev. Ralph Jones; and a step grandson, Gerald Sullivan. Her early profession was food service with Berea Elementary School in Greenville County. Ann also worked with her husband in his paint contracting business.

Ann loved to fellowship and became a member of the “Pink Ladies”. The “Pink Ladies” loved to have gatherings for all occasions and they dressed accordingly. She was a previous member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Greenville.

As an active member of Rocky Mount Missionary Baptist Church, her indelible fingerprints and footprints can be found in Sunday School, Adult Choir, Combined Choir, Mission Crusaders, Missionary Ministry and Pastor’s Care Ministry.

For forty-three years, Ann had a known passion and an unwavering discipline for the Annual church bazaar. On her own initiative, Ann went the extra mile as being the “Candy Lady”. On Sundays she freely offered candy to everybody. She mastered her pickled beets recipe.

You will find Ann’s fiber in the fabric of Enoree River Baptist Association Women’s Ministry. She was a member of the decorating committee for the Annual Harvest Banquet for over 30 years and for a short time was the chairperson of that committee. She was also a member of the Women’s Ministry Board and Women’s Ministry Choir.

Ann’s sickness did not change her attitude toward her faith in God, her life, or handling her business. She did not live in fear of death. She did not feel defeated. Often she would boldly say, “My time is now” and on Friday, March 6, 2020, before the close of day, she was ushered from her earthly abode. Ann will be missed and remembered by a sister, Hollis Hagood of Greenville, SC; a stepdaughter, Margaret (Bryant) Harrison of Pelzer, SC; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.