Bobbie Lynn (Patterson) Lester

Bobbie Lynn Patterson Lester, 71, of Seymour went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 25, 2021.

Bobbie was born December 31, 1949 in Seymour to Robert F. and Betty L. Wirz Patterson.  During her formative years, Bobbie lived with her family in Munday and Seymour.  She graduated from Seymour High School in 1968, South Plains College in 1970 and Texas Tech University in 1972.

Bobbie met Bill Lester at Texas Tech University and they married on July 29, 1972 in the Seymour First United Methodist Church.  They had two wonderful children, Justin, born in 1975 and Amy born in 1979.

Bobbie and her Patterson and Lester families have always been very involved Methodist Church activities.  During her life, Bobbie held leadership positions on every committee within the church.  In addition, Bobbie was Sunday School Superintendent, teacher of all age group levels and sponsor of Methodist Youth Fellowship.  Bobbie was a member of United Methodist Women and the choir.  As a Methodist Lay Minister, Bobbie regularly brought the Sunday morning message to the McCamey, Tx and Iraan, Tx congregations and to the McCamey Nursing Home.  Bobbie performed communion services to shut-in people in the communities where she lived.

Using her Social Welfare degree, Bobbie worked a total of 40 years as: 1) the Texas State adult and child welfare worker in Pecos County and area counties; 2) a youth probation officer for the 32nd Texas State Judicial District in Sweetwater; 3) High School secretary/registrar at McCamey; 4) a school social worker/transition coordinator/counselor for Rio Pecos Cooperative, consisting of five school districts and one youth prison in Southwest Texas.

Bobbie was a Special Olympics coach for nearly two decades in McCamey, Tx.  She also ran/walked in many benefit marathons in Southwest Texas, always winning first or second in her age group.

For much of their married life, Bobbie and Bill were blessed to be able to anonymously assist people in many ways.  In addition, the couple established two perpetual educational scholarship programs in memory of their son, Justin.  They helped landscape the new McCamey Hospital and Wellness Center by providing and dedicating a large, custom-made outdoor lighted fountain in honor of their daughter, Amy, and in memory of their son, Justin.  They provided volunteer respite care for families and volunteer transportation for their elderly or disabled friends.  Bobbie volunteered at Nursing Homes by daily visitation; participating in musical jamborees, birthday/holiday celebrations and bingo.

Bobbie and Bill moved back to Bobbie’s hometown of Seymour in 2019 to be close to her family.

With very few symptoms, Bobbie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer in November 2020.  She was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and Texas Oncology in Wichita Falls.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her son, Justin Lester; a sister, Donna Adams; her father, Robert Patterson; grandparents, some aunts, uncles, in-laws, a cousin and several friends.

Bobbie is survived by her husband, Bill Lester; a daughter, Amy Lester Gray (Nic); mother, Betty Wirz Patterson; 2 sisters, Debbie Welborn (Jamie) and Judy Patterson (Chris);  a brother, Derrell Patterson (Sandy); a brother-in-law, Jim Adams; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, several in-laws and many friends.

“Bobbie, you did good!  Thanks for the smiles, laughter, love, kindness, good times, hard work, great meals, patience, guidance, generosity and everything.”

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Seymour First United Methodist Church with Rev. Frances Gonzalez officiating, under the direction of Archer Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to the Seymour First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.