Lester Watson Thomas Sr.

Lester Watson Thomas Sr. was born on April 3, 1967, and adopted by Roscoe and Rose VanBuren. He passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 18, 2024. He was a native New Orleanian who loved God, Family, and Friends. Lester was a member of Branch Bell Baptist Church. He attended Alfred Lawless High School and excelled in their graduating class of 1985. Lester was also a member of a singing group by the name of " The Messengers." After graduating, Lester began a new and exhilarating career as a Chef. Throughout his life, Lester has worked at many Top-notch restaurants in the New Orleans area. Lester Watson Thomas Sr. married the love of his life and soulmate, Yulonda J. Thomas in 1992. They were joined together in Holy Matrimony for 31 years. Lester was blessed with nine loving children; Jeremy Thomas, Jaquel Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Asia Thomas, Leslie Thomas, Lester Thomas Jr., Malik Thomas, Jehrin Jones, and Myah Jones. Lester loved joking, cooking, singing, playing spades, and uniting with family and friends, especially his Lawless Alumni group, where he was the Vice President. He also loved all of his grandchildren. Lester is preceded in death by his loving parents Roscoe and Rose VanBuren; Brothers, James Celestine, and Sherman Baltimore; sisters, Helen Earl and Vondetta Patricia McLaurin. He leaves to cherish his beloved wife, children; sisters, Tracy VanBuren, Donna Thompson, Dinah Mae Celestine, Betty Johnson, and Sonitta Picot; Brothers, Darren Mckinney, Lester Taylor, Cornelius Celestine, Robert Thomas, and Glenn VanBuren, 24 Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Lester will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him. The Thomas family would love to have your support and encouragement on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10 o'clock a.m. at Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Ave. NOLA 70125, with the viewing beginning at 9 o'clock. A repass will be held at Nola Palms, 5961 Bullard Ave, NOLA 70128 at 2 o'clock. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook. A Livestream of Lester Thomas Sr.'s service can be found at www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/Live.