Chestein Hester Lambert

Chestein Hester Lambert, age 87, of Iuka, MS went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Tishomingo Community Living Center. She was born on October 31, 1938, in Tishomingo County to Hollis and Tilda Hester. She was an outstanding basketball player and proud graduate of Holcut High School Class of 1958. 

Following graduation, Chestein moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she worked assembling cars prior to relocating to Michigan. Living in Michigan for many years, she longed to return to her home state of Mississippi. Back home she found fulfillment working in the Iuka hospital cafeteria and later in the Tishomingo County school system cafeteria until her retirement.She enjoyed seeing the faces of the many students that came through the lunch line she served. In her free time, Chestein loved to dance at local establishments. 

Chestein was a proud mother of five children, grandmother to ten, great-grandmother of seventeen, and great-great-grandmother to one. Family meant everything to her and she loved the large family gatherings they held.

She will be remembered throughout her community for her loving heart and willingness to help anyone in need. Chestein was a faithful member of Rocky Springs Methodist Church.

Chestein was preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence Ray Heavener and James Lee Lambert; her siblings, Junior M. Hester, Willa Dean Booker, and Linda Lue Hester; and her children, Anthony Heavener and Clarence Ray Heavener, Jr.

She is survived by her brother, Terry Hester of Iuka, MS; her sister, Peggy Wilson of Escondido, CA; her children, Clara Nowak of Algonac, MI, Lance Heavener, Sr. of Iuka, MS and John Heavener of Memphis, TN.

Her grandchildren include Amanda Heavener, Clara Ellsworth (Adam), Douglas Heavener, Lance Heavener, Jr. (Chloe), Cirena Heavener, Adam Duram, Jason Heavener, Jonica Heavener, Parker Heavener, Rick Nowak (Chantel), Mikey Nowak, and Stephanie Nowak, along with seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Special thanks are extended to Magnolia Regional Health Center, Tishomingo Community Living Center, Steven Horn of Iuka, and Ludlam Funeral Home for their care and support.

Pallbearers will be Steven Horn, Douglas Heavener, Lance Heavener, Jr., Rick Nowak, Parker Heavener, and Jason Heavener.

Service Information

Location: Rocky Springs Methodist Church
Pastor: Jerry Bonds
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Service: 2:00 p.m.                                                                                                             Graveside Service: Oak Grove Cemetery                                                                                     In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rocky Spring Methodist Church

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