Effie Bee Lester Kegler was born May 11, 1930, to the late Jake Lester and Mary Lue Griggs Lester.

Her Christian experience began at an early age when she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with the Bethel AME Church in Damascus, Georgia.  In later years, she continued her walk with the Lord at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Blakely, Georgia under the leadership of Reverend Cleveland Sanders.   She was a devoted member and served faithfully in numerous capacities until her health declined.   Even in the midst of adversity, she always had a smile on her face and the joy of the Lord in her heart.

Effie Bee was united in holy matrimony to Tommy Lee Kegler.  Their union endured through the years and was blessed with a loving family.  As a wife and mother, she ate not the bread of idleness and always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family.  She believed strongly in unconditional love, understood the importance of family togetherness, and worked hard to make family members feel special while creating lasting and unforgettable memories.

"Ms. Effie and Mother Kegler" as she was endearingly called, lived a rich and rewarding life; reached the hallowed age of 90; and left a legacy of love, humility, and generosity for generations of her off-springs.   She had a servant's heart and felt most comfortable when helping others—never asking anything in return.  Ms. Effie enjoyed watching Law and Order on television, taking care of her flowers, and polishing her fingernails.  Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her grandchildren who held the key to her heart.  She will be remembered by many as a strong, unselfish lady with a loving heart for all mankind.

On February 6, 2021, Almighty God called his servant home to eternal rest and peace.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tommy Lee Kegler; one son, Jerry Lester, and her siblings.

Precious memories will forever be cherished by her children, Little Joe (Katherine) Lester, Winder Lester, John (Joycelyn Lester, Annie Wright, Mary Alice (Jerry) Young, and Benjamin Kegler all of Blakely, GA, Sallie (Joseph) Berrian of Winston, CA, and Oscar Kegler of Warner Robins, GA; two special grandchildren/caregivers, Kiwana Lester and Carlos Watts; and a host of other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.