Shirley Jean (Sides) Kester

Shirley J. Kester, 76, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born March 6, 1945, in Neelys Landing, Missouri, to Raymond and Onis Clingingsmith Sides.  She and Lloyd E. Kester were married July 12, 1969, in Bollinger County, Missouri.  Four children were born to their union, Darrell, Brian, Levi, and Robin.  They had been married 21 years when Lloyd passed away August 3, 1990.

Shirley worked at the former Florsheim Shoe Factory in Jackson and kept children in her home.  She was a lifelong, active member of New Bethel Baptist Church near Pocahontas and avidly supported her children in all their sporting events.

Loving survivors include three children, Darrell Kester (Elizabeth Cain) of Jonesboro, Illinois, Levi (Jennifer) Kester of Cape Girardeau, and Robin (Jeff) Brown of Jackson; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and three more expected soon; five siblings, Don (June) Sides, Jerry (Linda) Sides, Zelma Robison, Pat (Wilson) Craft, and Joyce (Randy) Newell; a sister-in-law, LaDora (the late Richard) Sides; Lloyd’s siblings, Rhonda (Terry) Massa, Jackie (the late Rev. Eddie) Long, Rocky (Sandy) Welker;  and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Brian Kester; her parents; two siblings, JoAnn (Manuel) Finchum and Richard Sides.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, January 12, 2022, and from 10 a.m. to service time, Thursday, January 13, 2022, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. 

The Rev. Kyle Long will office the funeral at 11 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at New Bethel Baptist Cemetery near Pocahontas.

Memorials to the family are appreciated.  Please make checks payable to McCombs Funeral Home and memo the check FOR SHIRLEY KESTER.

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