- Date Of Death: December 17, 2020
- State: Indiana
Nettie Louise Sawyer was born on September 25, 1938 to James Griffith and Oswald Tucker Sawyer, in Arlington, TN. She was the fifth of seven children (Ruby Sawyer Smith, James Sawyer, Albert Sawyer, Dorothy Sawyer Moon, Sadie Marie Sawyer Bryant, and Barbara Joyce Sawyer Phillips), who all preceded her in death.
Nettie took her education very serious, matriculating through the Barrett’s Chapel school system in Arlington. In 1956, she graduated from Barrett’s Chapel High School as Salutatorian. After relocating to Indianapolis, IN, Nettie completed her Bachelor of Science degree from IUPUI, majoring in Social Work. It is no secret that the younger generation held an enormous and genuine place in her heart.
In her lifetime, Elder Lester birthed an abundance of plays, books, musical compositions and outreach ministries. Whereas she was passionate about these things, what brought her the greatest joy was the birth of her son, William “Billy” K. Lester III, in January 1964. Into him, she poured and instilled the Word of God, her knowledge of music, and the importance of a strong work ethic. They became thee Mother-Son Dynamic Duo, with Billy serving as her Music Director for over 30 years.
Elder Lester was a pioneer in the Gospel Music Industry of Indianapolis and abroad. She founded Youth Rapping and Mapping to Save Youth, Inc., Joy Publishing Company, Joy Records, Interfaith Records, WHTJ 1690-AM Radio Station, “Let’s Get It Together” column published in the Indianapolis Recorder, The Nettie Lester Interfaith Choir, The Little Children of God Choir, and Joy Fellowship Choir. While leading, she knew how to serve.
Although known as Elder Lester to the community, she was affectionally known to her grand and great-grandchildren as “Muffy.” Muffy continuously reared her grandchildren, always reminding them to keep God first, provided an unbiased listening ear, and would endlessly give her last. She will be most missed for her crisp $5 bills, yellow cake with chocolate icing, and always sending you out of her house with a goody bag. Muffy never missed a baptism or school graduation, was an avid confidante, and an unwavering supporter. A tender memory will always be Chaela calling her every day after school, sometimes just to hold the phone for hours.
Elder Lester is survived by a very close-knit family. She leaves to cherish her beloved memory her Son: William; Daughter-In-Love: Chapelle`, 9 Grandchildren: C. Atasha, Chauneesha, Chakhala, Juwan, Jalon, Chakyrah, Chaunyah, and Chaela; 4 Great-Grandchildren: Leland, Julian, Terrance Jr.
