Jane Mellette Lester

Columbia, SC – Jane Mellette Lester, 76, formerly of Myrtle Beach, Columbia and Timmonsville, SC, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2020 after a brief illness. 

A limited, family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Florence National Cemetery, Florence, SC. The family will receive friends and family at the home of Cary and Liz Andrews immediately following the service. 

Surviving are her children, Lydia Mellette (Mike) Dodd, John Robert Lester, III, and her granddaughter, Anna Mellette Dodd; her brother, Dr. J. Ramsey (Betty) Mellette, Jr; sister, Liz (Cary) Andrews, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Major General John Robert (Johnny Bob) Lester of Florence, Columbia and Myrtle Beach, SC.

Jane was born in Florence County, the daughter of the late Julian Ramsey and Mary Brown Mellette.  She received a BA degree in library science from Columbia College and worked for several years as a librarian in the Charleston Co. schools. She soon moved to Columbia and was employed by Mac Singletary at the McNair Law Firm.  After many years with the law firm, she retired to work as a homemaker and an "at-home" mom.  While raising her family, she was an active member of the Columbia Garden Club, where she spent many years curating her love for flowers and flower arranging.  She was also enjoyed playing bridge and was involved in book clubs in Columbia and Myrtle Beach. Jane and her family were active members at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church.  In 2007 she and her husband John moved to Myrtle Beach.  There they joined the Dunes Golf and Beach Club of Myrtle Beach and enjoyed an active social life.  While in Myrtle Beach, they formed a close group of friends and family who identified themselves as the “Cork Pullers.”  They traveled over many years and several continents tasting wines and enjoying the company of these dear friends.  Jane spent her last year at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement community in Columbia.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or the Still Hopes Resident Assistance Fund, or a charity of choice.

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com
Layton-Anderson Funeral Home, 4210 W. Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 

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