Helen L. Lester

July 28, 1919 – September 11, 2025

Helen Louise Francis Lester, a beloved matriarch, faithful servant, and treasured friend, transitioned from labor to reward peacefully at home on Thursday, September 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving grandson, nieces, and special caregivers. She was blessed with 106 remarkable years, filled with love, resilience, and service. Born on July 28, 1919, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Gertrude Williams and Bernie Lily, Helen’s life was defined by her faith, hospitality, and devotion to family and community.

Helen gave her life to Christ at an early age at Nazareth Orange Baptist Church. She also became a member of Locust Grove Baptist in Virginia. Upon relocating to Steelton, Pennsylvania, after the death of her mother at age 10, she lived with her grandmothers and joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served until, she married the love of her life, Mossea Lester, in 1948. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Wanda Phyllis Lester.

That same year, Helen and Mossea built, owned, and managed the Trails Inn Bar and Hotel. For 33 years, this establishment became a cherished safe haven in the community, attracting visitors from near and far who came for Helen’s famous southern cooking, her welcoming smile, and the warm hospitality she and Mossea cultivated. The Trails Inn was a landmark of care, connection, and fellowship until their retirement in 1981.

Helen’s faith remained her anchor throughout her life. She served faithfully for over 70 years at Mount Sinai AME Church, where she was a missionary, usher, stewardess, and member of the culinary committee, in her later years she also became a very proud “Wheeler Wherever” member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.

Affectionately known as the “Queen of Edgemont,” Helen was a pillar of her neighborhood, admired for her kindness, wisdom, and grace. She was also celebrated as a talented cook and baker, best known for her fried chicken, potato salad, and a wide variety of cakes. Her home was always open, serving as the center of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and spontaneous visits — each made memorable by her hospitality and her love for bringing people together.

Beyond her home, Helen lived a life of service. She was a proud member of the Blue Birds, the Frontiers International, and the Sickle Cell Council, and volunteered with countless other community organizations over the years. She also enjoyed coordinating yearly bus trips to Atlantic City, where she delighted in organizing fellowship, fun, and adventure. A woman of style and grace, she loved shopping at her favorite store, Boscov’s, where she was known for always finding something special.

Helen also enjoyed the simple joys of life, from watching The Young and the Restless, Family Feud, and The View — even attending a live taping of The View in New York City in 2017. She had a zest for travel, creating memories across places near and far, but always carrying her deep love for family wherever she went.

She will forever be remembered for her faith, her generosity, her hospitality, and her gentle yet powerful spirit. To know her was to be uplifted by her wisdom, her kindness, and the joy of her fellowship.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Mossea; her devoted daughter, Wanda; her cherished sister friends: Dorthy Lewis, Isabella Payne, Valerie “Tootsie” Geary, and Addie Hawkins.

She leaves to cherish her love and memory her loving grandson (her pride and joy), Brandon Mossea Lester; her special nieces Emma Scelzo (Joseph), Toni Jackson, Leticia “Tish” Garnes (Jeffrey), Latrell Watson, and Theresa Berry; nephews Leroy Harden and Carl Lester; her cherished sister friends Mary (Movis) Goodson, Georgia Chisholm, and Ann Roberts; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who will continue to celebrate the extraordinary gift of her life.

Helen’s legacy of faith, service, love, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

"Celebration of Life for Helen L. Lester"

Location: The First Baptist Church

1850 South 19th Street

Harrisburg, PA 17104

Friday, September 19, 2025

Visitation: 11:00 AM

Homegoing Celebration: 12:00 PM

Helen loved the color yellow, a reflection of her warmth, joy, and light. We invite you to honor her memory by wearing a touch of yellow during the service.

Lovingly submitted by the family