Lewisburg-Lola Lively Nester, 83, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at her home in Lewisburg.
Lola loved her family, education, and the arts. A long-time Kanawha County teacher and reading specialist, Lola always championed at-risk students and won awards for her teaching, including the IBM State Teacher of the Year in 1989. Lola was an avid bridge player and an ACBL Life Master. She also enjoyed listening to classical music, singing, being involved with local theater and ballroom dancing.
Born Dec. 31, 1929, in St. Albans, Lola lived most of her life in Kanawha and Putnam counties before moving to Lewisburg to be closer to family.
She was preceded in death by an infant son; her parents, Bertha and Joseph E. Lively, Sr.; and sisters, Flora Erwin and Bertha Riddle.
She is survived by: daughter, Pamela Bowling and husband John of Princeton, daughter, Patricia Ford and husband Richard, Jr., of Lewisburg; son, Daniel Nester and wife Betty of Sanford, NC; grandchildren include Greg Bowling, Lynn (Chris) Parrish, Michael (Stephanie) Bowling, Grady (Jocelyn) Ford and Jay Ford; great-grandchildren include Shiloh, Kama and Emersyn Parrish, and Adeline Bowling; sister, Opal Bumgardner; brother, Joseph Lively, Jr.; former husband and friend, Bill Nester; many nieces and nephews; and her faithful dog, Sophie.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at The Seasons Assisted and Independent Living Community for the compassionate care and love they showed Lola during her time with them. Lola considered them to be part of her extended family. The family would also like to thank Lewisburg United Methodist Church and Hospice Care, Inc., of Lewisburg.
A memorial service was held on Sunday. Dec. 29, at the Lewisburg United Methodist Church, where the Rev. Rick Brown officiated.
A graveside ceremony was held on Monday, Dec. 30, at Cunningham Cemetery in St. Albans.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lola’s name to the Lewisburg United Methodist Church or to a children’s program of your choice.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg was in charge of arrangements.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
