Juanita Hoffman Lester was entered a larger life iwth the Lord February, 06, 2024. In her own words she wrote: I was born at home on a crisp fall day, November 14, 1921. I was the second daughter born to Norris and Ora Starr Hoffman. Dr. Vickers was sent for and with the help of a neighbor, Mrs. Nellie Cook and my mother’s mother, Jennie Collins Starr (Granny Starr), who lived with us, I arrived.

I was blessed with two sisters, and one brother, Hughlene, Mary Jo, and Hub. The four of us were raised in a small community, Clearwater, which is in the south end of Franklin County, Texas. We went to Church and School at Clearwater. When my older sister, Hughlene started school she learned a nursery rhyme “Little Boy Blue Come Blow Your Horn,” well so did I. My Granny Starr made me a pair of blue bib overalls, and here I went saying over and over “Little Boy Blue,” so I was nicknamed “Blue.” As of today, my Nieces and Nephews still call me Aunt Blue, all my life I have been called “BLUE.”

As a young girl I had a Superintendent, at Clearwater, Mr. Lewis Burton, who introduced me to western novels. I loved to read better than eat, oh what pleasure reading has brought me. When I started High school in Winnsboro in the 11th grade, all I had ever been called was “BLUE,” and the first day when roll was called, I had no idea who Juanita was until the teacher called me by my full name, Juanita Hoffman, that was strange to hear! I graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1939.

After high school Daddy and I went to see Mr. Ralph Morris, at 1st National Bank in Winnsboro, and borrowed $600.00, so I could enroll in Fields Beauty College in Dallas, this covered tuition and room and board. When I graduated, I took a job at Mr. Steve Castllo’s Barber and Beauty Shop in Gilmer. Yes, I paid my note at the bank IN FULL!

On November 9, 1940, I married K. P. Lester, and we were blessed with four children, Bonnie, Neta, Kin and Sara. At that time, I became a full-time wife and mother. K. P. worked for Tidewater Oil, and Getty Oil, for 36 years, we lived in many different oil camps during that time.

K. P. and I were involved in Church all our lives; we raised our children in church, (GA’s, RA’s, WMU, Vacation Bible School, teaching the ladies Sunday School classes, and the little children’s classes:) wherever needed, K.P. and I were there. Although we moved a lot in early years; no matter where we were, come Sunday morning we had our family in Church.

Now that I am 102, my day starts with medicine, coffee, and my Bible, then I pray for my five Grandchildren, Nancy, Laura, and Ed Needs, Kinney and Kevin Lester. I love making clothes for my 7 great grandchildren, Kaden Lester, Haley and Matthew Lester, Porsche, Nicolette, Celeste, and Lincoln Needs, then I QUILT.

If you were to ask me what my greatest gift has been, I would tell you being born in a Free Country, being born to God fearing parents, and being married to a God-fearing husband. I have been so blessed to know God as My Lord and Savior. -Juanita “Blue” Hoffman Lester