Voncile Rester
Published 4:05 pm Friday, January 3, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Voncile Rester, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who entered eternal rest on Dec. 27, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on Oct. 26, 1933, in Picayune, Miss., Voncile was a lifelong resident who devoted her life to her family, her faith, and her community.
Voncile proudly worked as a cafeteria worker in the local school system, where she nourished not just bodies but also spirits with her warmth and kindness. A devoted member of Lee’s Chapter No. 1 Baptist Church, she found great joy and purpose in her faith, often sharing her love of music by playing the piano for her congregation.
Voncile’s legacy is marked by the love she shared so generously with others. As a foster parent, she opened her home and heart to children in need, embodying compassion and kindness. She treasured her family, spending precious moments with her loved ones and adoring her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.
She is survived by her son, Danny Leander Rester (wife, Donna); daughters, Debbie Jarrell (husband, Reggie), Shelia Rester, Jan Baughman (husband ,Brian), and Angela Burge (Brent Moeller); one brother, Auburn Cooper; 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren, and many other loving family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Voncile was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Leander Rester; parents, Gertrude Cooper and Leona Lee Cooper; brothers, LC Cooper, ST Cooper, Michael Cooper, James Cooper, Hershel Cooper, and Vernon Cooper; sisters, Josephine Spiers and Gloria Jean Cooper, and one grandchild, Paul Rester.
Funeral services to celebrate Voncile’s remarkable life will be held at Lee’s Chapter No. 1 Baptist Church Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Visitation starts at 11 a.m. with service to follow at 1 p.m. The family invites all who were touched by her love and spirit to join them in honoring her memory and legacy.
As we gather to remember the beautiful life of Voncile Rester, let us celebrate the compassion, love, and unwavering faith she brought into the world. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Arrangements are under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home.