Virginia Beard Lester

In Loving Memory of Virginia Beard Lester

August 8, 1942 – April 25, 2025

Virginia Beard Lester, age 82, of Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, in Little Rock, under the compassionate care of Arkansas Hospice.

Born in Alton, Illinois, on August 8, 1942, Virginia was the daughter of the late Kline and Edwina (Syme) Grigsby. A gifted student and a natural athlete, she earned straight A’s at Alton High School and was an accomplished water skier. She even pursued her pilot’s license—an early sign of her fearless spirit and unshakable determination.

Virginia later made her home in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she became a successful entrepreneur, founding and operating two beloved local businesses: A Touch of Flavor catering service and A Caring Touch pet care service. Her talent in the kitchen became well known across the South, and she was trusted to cater weddings and events of every size with grace and excellence.

At the heart of Virginia’s life was her large, blended family. A devoted mother and caregiver, she once raised as many as ten children under one roof. She thrived in the chaos, embracing the role of nurturer with relentless energy, fierce independence, and deep compassion. Her home was never without the happy presence of her cherished four-legged companions.

Virginia also gave generously of her time and talents to her community. A longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, she served faithfully on the Altar Guild for many years. She was also a proud and lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents and sister Elizabeth G. Ford, her husband Willis Dozier Lester III, her son John Christian Fricke, and her infant daughter, Christine Diane Fricke.

She is survived by her children: Carolyn Spencer (Don) of Alexandria, VA; Marilyn Fricke of Sherwood, AR; Barbara Sugg (Keith) of Little Rock, AR; Mark Fricke of Gulfport, MS; and Simone Beard of Lafayette, LA. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren—Jay (Jennifer), Kristen, Max, Delaney, Aubrey, Andrew, Christine (Sean), Julian (Mia), Sophia, and Gracie; three great-grandchildren—Audia, Graham, and Savannah; and her beloved cocker spaniel, Jessica.

A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held on July 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Lafayette, Louisiana. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. in Coughlin Hall and a reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her memory to Arkansas Hospice or the American Diabetes Association.

Virginia will be remembered for her generosity, resilience, and the indelible impact she made on every life she touched.