Yvonne Lester Thacker "Vonnie" was born in Chicago, IL on Tuesday, November 25, 1947 to the late Waldo C. and Marjorie T. Lester.  She departed this life Thursday, November 21, 2019.  The third of six children, Yvonne graduated from Simon G. Atkins High School in 1966.  After attending Bennett College, she married and had two children, Tanya and Jennifer.  Yvonne worked for Wachovia for many years but retired from the Winston-Salem Journal after more than 25 years.  Throughout her work life, however, she also maintained an affiliation with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as a bus driver.  Whether she drove on a full-time or part-time basis, Yvonne thoroughly enjoyed making sure her 'babies' got to and from school and to and from various activities safely.  Even when it was evident that she was not able to drive any more, her concern lay with the children on her route not knowing where Miss E-vonne was.

Yvonne was also known for her love of flowers and gardening.  While her health permitted, she always had a food garden and plants in the yard and on her porch.  She volunteered to help beautify the church's yard through planting and weeding the flower beds.  Yvonne had a wealth of knowledge about different plants, including when to plant, when to expect blooms, what plants could grow together, and how to maintain beautiful arrangements.

Yvonne is joining her parents who have awaited her in glory.  She is also joining her sisters, Sylena L. Nesbitt, Phyllis A. Lester, and Sheila L. Kennedy, as well as a beloved nephew LeeVonne C. Lester, Sr.

Celebrating her life and continuing her legacy are her children Tanya of Greensboro, NC, and Jennifer of the city; grandchildren, Adrieanna, Langston, and Naaria of Greensboro; sister, Marjorie L. Brannon of Hampton, VA; brother, Waldo C. Lester, Jr. of Lutz, FL; brother-in-law, John D. Nesbitt, Sr. of the city; sister-in-law, Dana P. Lester of Lutz, FL; uncle, Anthony Farmer of Enfield, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews; and three devoted friends, Peggy Shelley, Rosemary Spencer, and Kathy Terry of the city.

Services for Yvonne Lester Thacker will be held 12:00noon Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Hanes Memorial CME Church, 819 N. Highland Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Wednesday at the Church.

The family wishes to thank the following for their support during this time:  8 ^th Floor of Ardmore Tower East, Oak Forest Health and Rehab, and Trellis Hospice and Palliative Care.