Ivena Katherine Lester

Ivena Katherine Lester 88, of Temple, Texas passed away peacefully on July 18, 2023. She went to Heaven to be with the love of her life, husband, Jimmy. She had been battling Alzheimer's/Dementia for over five years.

Ivena was born August 11, 1934 in Munday, Texas. She resided in Munday, Texas before moving to Dallas where she graduated from Sunset High School in 1951, and attended North Texas State College for a short period of time. She married Jimmy Floyd Lester, Jr. March 3, 1952. Jimmy and Ivena moved to Greenville, SC where Jimmy was stationed in the Air Force.

Moving back to Texas after his discharge, Ivena took on many roles of life, including housewife, mother, real estate sales associate and hostess at several five-star restaurants. Ivena was friendly, met the public well, provided customers a great dinning experience and took pride in her work and herself.

Ivena was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Wilson and Gladys Katherine Harber; brother, Thomas Royce Harber; sisters, Nancy Ruth Wild and Teresa Maria Davis; husband of sixty-five years of marriage until his death, Jimmy Lester; and son, Randall Ray "Randy" Lester.

She is survived by sons, Gary James Lester & wife, Claudia and Tommy Lee Lester & wife, Emily; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A private family graveside service will be held at Evans Chapel Cemetery August 19, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.