Campus News

Obituary: Gail Lester

Lester
Gail Lester

Margaret Gail Bennett Lester, former director of special events, died Sept. 11 at Athens Regional Medical Center. She was 68. Lester retired in 2005 after 35 years at UGA with a long career in what is now the Division of Development and Alumni Relations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald H. Lester, and longtime friend and college roommate, Juanita Dooley. Gail, Ronnie and Juanita each battled different forms of cancer for many years, and Gail was especially well-known among her many friends for her compassionate caring support of her family and friends. Devoted caregiver and advocate defined Gail’s years of volunteering and support of various cancer causes. She was a volunteer and supporter for many years of the Northeast Georgia Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support. Memorials may be made to the Northeast Georgia Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

A funeral was held Sept. 14.