Carol Lester

Mrs. Carol Lester, age 80 of Knoxville passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, as well as, an active member of Black Oak Ridge Baptist Church and had a true passion for making a difference in the lives of children across the world through her years long ministry of Operation Christmas Child campaign at her church. Carol deeply loved her family and always enjoyed the annual family reunion held at the Summersville 4H Camp in West Virginia. She also enjoyed playing practical jokes and no family member was safe from her escapades. She is preceded in death by first husband, William Henry Taylor, and second husband, Francis William Johnson, parents, Garson and Martha Payne, sisters, Birdia Baker, Belva Baker, Irene Hagerman, special aunts, Orpha Vance, and Fannie Barker, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary Ruth and Benny Angel, and many other special family members. 

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Walters; son, Timothy Johnson and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Jenna Wall (Mathew), Josiah Walters, Jonathan Walters, Grace Anne Walters, Constance Day, and Emmaline Rose Johnson; great-grandchildren, Annie Elise Wall and James Mathew Wall; sister, Ella Mae Powell; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Walters Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services will begin at 12:00 PM with Rev. Brent Turnmire and Rev. Gary Capps officiating. Music will be conducted by Mrs. Lester’s grandchildren. Interment will follow at Flat Hollow Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to: Operation Christmas Child, c/o Black Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 6404 Old Maynardville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Carol Lester.