Lorraine Areatha Lester

She was a Washingtonian; Rainey was educated in the District of Columbia school system. She graduated from McKinley Tech High School in 1960, where she was part of the Paint and Powder Club, Boosters Club and Tech Life Reporter. She attended University of District of Columbia for two years. She worked at the Washington Gas Company from 1970 to 2000, where she retired from 30 years of service. She also worked part time at Providence Hospital Emergency Room as a Registrar for over 5 years.

Let's talk about her children for a minute, Patryce A. Hamilton she would call her for any and everything, she said “I could always depend on you”. Now about her son Kenneth Henson (deceased) he had that unconditional “mom love” and he would always be there when she called him. Her son Kevin Lester she had unconditional love for him and always wanted the best for him. Rainey had an abundance of love for all her children and WHEN she put her foot DOWN, we knew she meant business.

Rainey loved to plant flowers, bake cookies, pies and cakes was her specialty. She loved traveling and being a Great MOM to her children. Her absolute love was definitely her grandchildren Curtis and Desiree Lester gave her a light of joy and happiness. Another special person that bought her joy was her favorite son in law Juan, also known as her Juan Ton, she loved him and was happy that he is a part of our family. She was a free and loving spirit, always polite, kind, and full of life. Her favorite phrase was Don't Worry About It Everything Will Work Out. She had an unconditional love for her brothers William and Michael Archie. She loved a good Superbowl and birthday party. Birthdays was a big thing for her, she was definitely going to mail you that birthday card. Rainey never let things bother her and she was admired for that.

Rainey loved picking up Jean and hanging out for the day. How she loved those 6am conversations on the phone with Evelyn. She loved going around Renee's house for Thanksgiving and other holidays as well. Her late and wonderful friend Sandra Scott, Rainey and Patryce would always ride on Fridays to Addison Road Metro Station to be picked up by Sandra, so the daughters can spend the weekend together. Finally, her late and dear friend/hairdresser Bishop Minnie Campbell always kept that hair done. To know this amazing Queen has touched a lot of people souls throughout her journey of life here on this earth was a blessing and the amazing memories to have you know you had to love her.

Rainey leaves to cherish her loving memories daughter, Patryce Hamilton (Juan -Her Juan Ton), son Kevin A. Lester, son Kenneth Henson (deceased), two grandchildren Curtis (Lil C) and Desiree (Desi – her favorite person) Lester, two brothers Michael Archie, William Archie (deceased) Sister-in-law Elaine, Cousin Julia Dishman, and her good girlfriends Evelyn Jones, Jean Roundtree, Renee McCray, Sandra Scott (deceased) and Bishop Minnie Campbell (deceased). A host of nieces and nephews.