Maxine (Smay) Lester

MAXINE LESTER 

PLACIDA, FLORIDA – Mary Ellen Maxine Lester, affectionately known as Maxine, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished Nana, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the age of 69, holding the hand of her beloved husband. After a long and courageous battle with liver failure, she is now at rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion. 

Born on April 19, 1955 in Carlinville, Illinois, Maxine was one of five children born to the late Pastor Leslie Howard Smay Jr. and Mary Imogene (Bilbruck) Smay. From a young age, her vibrant personality and leadership skills shone brightly. Her brothers lovingly nicknamed her “Sargent Max” for her ability to take charge and get things done. Her siblings grew to admire her drive, determination and deep sense of care. 

Maxine graduated from Jersey Community High School in 1973 and went on to pursue her passion for helping others by becoming a Registered Nurse. Her nursing career spanned many years, during which she touched countless lives with her empathy, skill and dedication. Caring for others wasn’t just her profession – it was her calling. 

On January 22, 1977, she married the love of her life, Wayne Lester. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and memories. Maxine was a hands-on-mom, never missing her children’s activities and always ensuring every moment was special. In retirement, Maxine and Wayne moved to Florida, where they spent their golden years enjoying the sunshine, sticking their toes in the sandy beaches, and each other’s company. Their time together was marked by deep love and companionship, making every day a new adventure. Maxine loved being a wife and felt blessed to spend all her days with her best friend and soul mate by her side, as they created memories together to last a lifetime. 

Maxine had many titles, but by far her greatest joy in life came from the title of “Nana.” She loved all of her family deeply, but her grandbabies were her pride and joy, and she delighted in creating cherished memories with them. Whether giving her famous hugs, receiving endless kisses, or simply experiencing life’s simple joys through their eyes, Maxine loved being a grandmother with her whole heart. Her grandchildren often said, “There’s no hug like Nana’s”, a testament to the warmth and love she gave so freely. 

Maxine is survived by her husband of 47 years, Wayne Lester of Placida, Florida; three daughters, Andrea Lester and Angela Lester, both of Godfrey and Jessica (Lester) Grant of Cleveland, Tennessee; her seven adored grandchildren: Max, Jordyn, Alexander and Ellanor Grant and Farrah, Evan and Owen Gaines. She is also survived by two brothers, Pastor Leslie Martin (Melissa) Smay of Kane and David (Polly) Smay of Kane; a sister, Loretta (Dick) Dawdy of Godfrey, who not only was her older sister but her lifelong best friend; as well as her mother in-law, Edith Lester of Jerseyville and a sister in-law, Joanna Farris of White Hall. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Edward Smay; two nephews, Shannon Dawdy and Ralph Delbert Smay; as well as her father in-law, Jessie Lester. 

Maxine lived a life filled with love grace, kindness and faith. She never met a stranger and loved with her whole heart, always making everyone around her feel seen and valued. She was an amazing friend who left an indelible impact on those fortunate enough to know her. A devout believer in Christ, Maxine held steadfast to the promise of eternal life and looked forward to the day when her family would be reunited in heaven. As her grandchildren put it best, “This isn’t goodbye – its ‘see ya later.” 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday. 

Burial will take place at a later date at the Gilead Cemetery in Hettick, Illinois. 

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society – Liver Cancer Research, in care of the funeral home. 

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com 

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