Dorothy Lou (Stephenson) Lester

Dorothy Lou Stephenson Lester, 77, of Ashland exchanged worlds Monday, May 29, 2017 at Woodland Oaks Health Care Facility in Ashland.

Dorothy was born January 6, 1940, in Welch, WV, a daughter of Rosa Mullens Stephenson of Pineville, WV and the late Leslie James Stephenson.

Dorothy was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ashland. She completed her graduate and undergraduate studies at Marshall University.

Dorothy had a long and distinguished career in the Russell Independent School System, where she taught and was principal at Bellefonte Elementary, served as Curriculum Supervisor for the district, and also served as an Assistant Principal at Russell Primary School.

A longtime resident of West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky, she was familiar with the effects of poverty on education and achievement. Perhaps because of this, she supported progressive causes and was a tireless defender of children.

In addition to her mother she is also survived by her daughter Stephanie Lester Rigsby and husband Lee of Ashland, her sisters Judith Fast of Houston, TX, Leslie Abigail Winters of Lewisburg, WV, her brothers Leslie James (Judy) Stephenson of Raymond, ME, George “Paki” (Kathy) Stephenson of Dublin, VA, her beloved grandchildren Edward Moore Prichard, III, of Huntington, Jessamine “Jessye” Rose Prichard of Irvine, CA as well as numerous extended family and friends.

A private memorial service is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Foundation for the Tri-State/Area Education Grants or the Malala Fund (www.malala.org/donate and indicate it is a tribute gift).

Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Online condolence to www.steenfuneralhome.com

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