Service Details
Her Homegoing Service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. with Bishop L.L. Kirby officiating. Visitation will be on that Saturday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Please see the funeral home website for the complete obituary.
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Rebecca M. Bester, 72, of Racine, was called Home by her Loving Savior on Monday, April 5, 2021. She was born on February 10, 1949 in Enterprise, MS to the late Johnny and Maggie (nee: Chambliss) Buckley. At a young age, she was baptized at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Enterprise. She relocated to Racine in 1970 where she became a member of the St. Paul’s Baptist Church.
Rebecca attended Central High School in Enterprise where she was an avid learner and a star basketball player. She and her sisters would often reminisce about their beloved mother and their life in Mississippi. On July 3, 1966, she was united in marriage to Arthur L. Bester and to this union, came 2 children, Angela and Gerald. She loved her children dearly and was active in their activities and lives.
She enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. She was later employed as a dispatcher for the Racine Police Department and then as a counselor and advocate at the Women’s Resource Center of Racine. As a devoted member of the St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church, she became very involved with the Inspirational Choir and served on the Senior Usher Board until she was no longer able. Rebecca was a Lifetime Member of the NAACP and worked closely with the Youth Committee, ACT-SO and drill team. She touched everyone that she met and was known as “Miss Bester” by the church and community’s youth. She enjoyed traveling, going out to eat, and talking to her friends on the phone. Her favorite past time was playing bingo. She was known as having a “sweet spirit” and a “giving heart.” She so loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and her siblings. She and her sisters were affectionately known as the “Old Lady Gang” or “O.L.G.” On Sundays, they would gather at her home and watch old Western flicks and gospel programs.
Rebecca leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Angela (Thomas Jeff Lambert) Bester-Lambert, of Mt. Pleasant, and Gerald (Marlene Black) Bester, of Kenosha. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Treazure Bester, TreVelle Lambert, Gerald Bester II, Armani Lambert, and Jaylin Lambert; five great-grandchildren, Malia Lambert, Dasani Dyess, Lyriq Lambert, Phoenix Lambert, and Draake King; two sisters, Annie Hicks and Sylvia Dianne Dawkins, both of Racine; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Buckley, of Chicago, and Barbara Buckley, of Beloit; special cousins, Mollie Jones and Daisy Bogan; special friends, Nancy Brinker, Zettie Martin, Melanie Bohl, Barbara Ford, Karen Heart, Robert and Cathy Gordon; Former daughter-in-law, Tonia Grandy; God Daughters, Dischone Yvette Hosey, and Felicia Wilson . She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rebecca is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Maggie (nee: Chambliss) Buckley; her brothers, Johnny H. Buckley, Sam Buckley, and George Buckley, brother-in-law, Walter Ray Hicks and by a special friend/cousin, Evelyn Gardner. Her children would like to thank all the visitors, caregivers she had over the years as well as the staff at DaVita Dialysis.
Tonya Gates says
My Condolences to the Bester Family! Praying for Comfort in Jesus Mighty Name Amen!
Helen G. Miller says
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rebecca . We were longtime friends we went to school together down in Enterprise Mississippi and have remained friends all through the years. I want to give my condolences to the family .I pray God gives you all Comfort and peace ,and keeps you all in his everlasting care.
SHARON WILLIAMS says
Prayers go up for you and your family.Sharon Shelton Williams
Maggie Cobb says
May the love of God the love of friends and family carry you through your grief .Rebecca will truly be missed and may her beautiful soul rest in peace .
Mary Anderson says
This is a shock to me. Rebecca’s was a dear friend to me and my late husband Thomas. My condolences to the family. RIP Rebecca.
Daris J Hodges says
My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Miss Bester. She’ll be missed and I pray that God strengthens us all.
Snoop and Tracy Oliver says
We send our love, prayers and condolences to Uncle Jam( Gerald) Angie and Jeff and our B.F.Buddy Toni Gandy as well as the entire Bester family.
Aletha Kimmons Slaughter says
Sincere condolences to the entire Family
Rebecca loved you all dearly.
God knows Best
Sheila Grandy says
My deepest condolences to the Bester family, may God comfort you all during this time, 🙏
Wanda and Fredrick Brown says
Our condolences to your family praying for peace and strength. Mrs Bester was always sweet to me and had a word of encouragement she will be greatly missed. Bless your family
Robin Hooks - Hunter says
To The Bester Family
My Condolences in the loss of your mom. God bless you’ll. Keeping you in prayer.
Stacey Moore says
Sending condolences to the Bester family. Ms Bester will be truly missed. Remembering her sweet & warm spirit.
EvangelisKynda Hyler and family says
Condolences to the family
Beautiful memories🙏
Joyce Denton says
My prayers and condolences to the family
Belinda Mullins says
My sincere Condolences to the family💞
Mae Tucker Williams says
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time. Rebecca was very kind hearted person and so sorry for your loss.
Wallace and Gwen Singleton says
Our sympathies and condolences go out to the Bester family. Your mother was a wonderful lady. She will be missed.
Jerome and Lisa Herring says
Angie and Gerald our condolences and prayers are with you’ll. Your Mom will be dearly missed.
Kathryn Liggins says
Condolences to the family Keeping you all in Prayers your mom was a sweet Beautiful lady she will be missed!!!!
Anonymous says
RIP Ms Rebecca you had such a kind spirit it was a pleasure meeting you. My condolences to the family
Frances Deloach says
My condolences to the family of my long time friend and classmate.
Frances Mc Gowan Deloach says
My condolences to the family of my friend and classmate.Gone but not forgotten.
Sabina Bradley says
My sincere condolences to all. Rest in Heaven Rebecca.
Shirlean Sumrall Foster says
My condolences to the family of Rebecca I have fund memories of her from Central High School as she was one of the six of us you were quite mischievous back in the day.
Shirlean Sumrall Foster says
On behalf of former of classmates of the 1967 class of Central High School and Enterprise High School, we offer sincere condolences and prayers to the family. Annie Laura you
are certainly in our hearts..
1967 Classmates
Marquita Thompson says
My condolences to the family and I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
Cynthia Baugh says
Sending prayers to our extended family.
From: Emma Lee, Johnnie Mae, Kenny and Trina (Family of Ms. Luecinda Melton Calvert of Enterprise, MS)
Greta Ingram says
My sincere condolences to the family of Rebecca. She was a beautiful soul and always had a warm greeting when she saw you. God bless the family and may she R.I.P..
Reverend David R. Green/Gregg Chapel says
Angela and Gerald and family of Sister Bester I pray for your strength in the Lord. Sister Rebecca and I worked together with the NAACP Youth Council. She was diligent and faithful in what she sought to do. Please know that we have lifted your family up to God who will be all you need at you journey through this time.
Lillian Boykin says
My deepest condolences too the family of Rebecca a fun lady to be around always the same. May God Bless you all I’ll keep you in my prayers
Christopher & Felecia Rush-Green says
My condolences to the Bester Family, sending healing 🙏
Mary L Bryant says
Love hugs and prayers for you my family. Rebecca was a beautiful person and I will miss her. God bl ess you all I love you all.
Cousin Mary
Denise Freeman says
Angie and Gerald,
God blessed you with a wonderful mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you now and forever.
Charlie and Carolyn Robinson Comfort says
Our sincere condolences to the Rebecca’s family. May God’s love you at this difficult time
Vickie Gardner & Family says
So sorry for your loss Rebecca was a wonderful person
Joanne Powell & Family says
To the Bester Family,
Praying that God will comfort you during this time and bring peace and strength in the days to come. With heartfelt sympathy.
Annette, Michelle & Joanne Powell Family.
Joanne Powell and Family says
Sending heartfelt condolences from Joanne Powell and Family. May the loving legacy your beloved mother surely leaves comfort your hearts forever.
Tammi J. Mccright says
Angela, sorry for the loss of your mom. My condolences and prayers.
Esther Bouie says
Love and prayers to the Bester Family.