Earl Lester, Sr.

The World Got A Little Quieter With The Passing Of Our Beloved Earl Lester, Sr. (Affectionally Known As Big Earl & Big Yard). A Family Man, Pilar of The Community, Grill Master and Spades Legend. His Strong Presence Filled Every Room - Whether with Laughter, Encouragement, Or His Best Isley Brothers or John P. Kee Impression.

Earl Lester Sr. Was Born October 31, 1949, to the late Willie B. Lester and Ruth Thompson Lester. While battling Prostate Cancer (2024), Brain Cancer (2025) and completing radiation treatment, he continued to encourage others, especially the youth.  He fought a good fight. However, on May 15, 2025, God Called Him Home. He Transitioned Peacefully at Capital Health System Regional Medical Center.  

Earl was educated and graduated from the Trenton Public School District. He also attended the Culinary Arts Program at Mercer County Community College. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Steele, and they had three children Melissa Francis, Earl Lester Jr., and Christopher Lester. 

In His Lifetime he was employed by Saint Francis Medical Center, U.S. Steel Corporation, New Jersey Transit, And Retired from Congoleum Corporation Plant 2 RP.  After retirement, he worked part time at The College of NJ and Walmart. He also had a passion for basketball for the City of Trenton. During this time, he had the honor of coaching some of Trenton’s finest: William Dockery Jr. “Doc”; Randy Corker who he named “The Big Cheese”; Greg King who he named “Black Magic” & Tracey Edwards just to name a few.

In 2013, he joined Fathers & Men United for a Better Trenton. He was a dedicated member where he stood tall among men dedicated to uplifting and educating the community on the importance of spiritual and educational values, in addition to mentoring men on how to take their righteous place as head of their household and community. During his lifetime he has been honored and received several awards for his outstanding community service. In April 2025, he was a special honoree, acknowledged at the YMCA’s Better Together Annual Affair.  All recognitions were well deserved, but barely scratched the surface of all he gave to the community. 

In 2017, he joined Trenton Violence Reduction Strategy (TVRS), a community improvement initiative funded by The College of New Jersey, The Trenton Police Department and UIH Family Partners. While they offered numerous programs, his passion was the re-entry program.

He was predeceased by his parent’s (named above), Herman Lester (brother), Gladys Horne (sister) Willie James Lester (brother), Betty Carter (sister), Peggy Lester (sister-In-law), Robert Cook (brother-in-law), John Horne(uncle), Benard Lester (nephew), and grandson Levi Harvey 3rd.           

 His Memory Will Be Cherished by his children, Melissa, Earl & Christopher. His God daughter, Saniya D. Presha, God son, Jason Rogers,  His Grandchildren Marissa Harvey, Breyanna Francis, Jordan Francis, Amber Lester, Charmaine Lester, Sydney Lester, Earl Lester 3rd, Novianna Lester. Ten Great Grandchildren. Gwendylyn Lester (sister), Shirley Cook(sister), Sam Lester (brother), Ivan Carter (Brother-In-Law), Cheryl Lester (sister-in-law). Special Brother-in-Law & dear friend , Willie Steele, Jr. Special niece Vanessa Stallsworth, Special nephew, Calvin Cook. A host of nieces and nephews. Best friends David Lewis, Aaron Gibson, Wayne Winckler, and a few others who have passed on. 

A Die-Hard Dallas Cowboys Fan, Wearing #22 Jersey or Jacket, His Passion Always Showed – Whether Win, Lose, or Lose!  During football season, Sundays Were Sacred.  Part football, Part Soul Food, Part Family & Friends And All Heart.  Though He’s No Longer With Us, His Voice, Humor, And Unforgettable Spirit Will Echo In Our Lives Forever.  

Funeral service will be 11am Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Samaritan Baptist Church, 531 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Trenton, NJ 08609. Calling hour will be 10am until the time of service. Interment will be at Fountain Lawn Memorial Park, Ewing, NJ. 

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