Joyce Kathryn Barnette Thomas Lester

"I have finished my race. I am going Home." These words were spoken by Mom in the last few days. On Monday afternoon, April 8th, 2024 Joyce Kathryn Barnette Thomas Lester came face to face with Jesus following a courageous battle with cancer. Her children and sister were by her side. Mom was born November 20th, 1944 to the late Bernie Ellis Barnette and Sadie Ellen White Barnette in Kimball, WV. Mom married Dad, the late Carl Clifton Thomas, Jr. on November 23rd, 1960. They were blessed with almost 60 years. Mom later reunited with a friend from her teenage years. She married the late John Lester and had 4 happy months before he passed away. In addition to her spouses and parents, Mom was predeceased by sister Carol Taylor and brothers Bernie Barnette, Jr. and Randy Barnette and son-in-law, Shawn Sizemore. Survivors are daughters Kathy Ann Payne (Ronnie) and Gerri Sizemore. Sons are David Thomas and Joey Thomas (Tammy). Her bonus daughter is Victoria "Tori" McGaha (Ron). Grandchildren are Jennifer Gibbons (Caleb), Robert D. W. Thomas (Brittney), Amanda Stewart (Joe), Kirsten Thomas, Dustin Dunkley (Makenzi), Hannah Goins (Richard), Carlie Laws (Tyler), Abigail Sizemore (Luis) and Rebecca Thomas (Josh). Great grandchildren are Jazmin, Chloe, CJ, Cameron, Dennis, Alex, Cheyenne, Riley, Skylyn, Logan, Gracie, Malachi, Emory, Kaleigh, Zeke, Jaxon, Maverick, Cleo and Georgia. She also has a great grand-blessing expected later this year. Her brother, John Barnette (Karen) and sisters Doris Minnix and Beth Wooten and sisters-in-law Rita Tabor (Richard) and Sylvia Burford (Floyd) and many nieces and nephews also survive Mom. We want to give special thanks to Doris Minnix for doing so much for Mom and for us the last few months. Also, a special thanks to Compassus Hospice nurses, social worker, chaplain and extra thanks to Heather and Emma!!! Mom (and her crew!) loved you all so much and your love and care was a blessing to us all! It was Mom's wishes that she be cremated and interred beside Dad. She also did not want any services. We will celebrate her life the way she requested--remembering that she loved Jesus above all and He is what matters in life! The cross made the difference! Cravens-Shires is assisting the family.