Mello Jo Lester, age 87, of Summertown, passed away on January 25th, 2025 at her home in Summertown. Jo was born on February 23rd, 1937 to the late Townsel Tasso Gobble and Mamie Izora Brewer Gobble in Ruppertown, Tennessee in Lewis County. She was a member of Noah’s Ark and Brace Baptist Church in Summertown. She and her late husband, Thomas, raised three children together, and fostered several children as well throughout their adult lives. She loved to volunteer her time, whether it be at her home church, or volunteering for the county fair. In her spare time, she enjoyed yard selling, collecting antiques, cooking and baking, gardening, and spending time with her loving family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jewell Lester; daughter, Christina Lester; grandchild, Sarah Staggs; siblings, Kathleen McDonald, Earlene Brewer, June Clayton, Buddy Gobble, and Edna Belew.

She is survived by her children, Terry Joe Lester (Glynda) and Deborah Walker (David); sisters, Jewell Farris and Faye Howell; grandchildren, Matthew, Tiffany, Heather, Kevin, Bryan, Beth, and Cheyenne; great-grandchildren, Brentley, Eli, Madison, Knoxley and Hayden; several nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held at Pettus-Turnbo Funeral Home on Friday, January 31st, 2025.

The Funeral Service was held at Pettus-Turnbo Funeral Home on Saturday, February 1. Brother Art McCormick and Brother Rich Mayberry officiated.

Interment was held at Brace Cemetery in Summertown.