A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Dooly County High School Gymnasium, 715 Third Street, Vienna, Georgia.

Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Unadilla, Georgia.

G loria Cherry Lester was born on June 10, 1944, in Dooly County, Georgia, to Willie S. Cherry and Elma Way Cherry. She was the third of eight children. Gloria joined her older siblings, LD and Mamie, and later became a loving big sister to Willie Lee, Bessie Ann, Earl, Claire, and Vincent. When Gloria was born, her cousin Beulah, affectionately known as “Pop,” was immediately taken with the beautiful, tiny baby. Beulah compared her to Swee’Pea, the beloved baby character from the Popeye cartoons. From that time forward, Gloria was affectionately known as “Sweet Pea” by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Sweet Pea attended Unadilla Junior High School and Vienna Industrial High School, where she played basketball. She accepted Christ and joined Brown Chapel Baptist Church alongside her older sister, Mamie, and 20 other candidates for baptism under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend H. C. McCrae. Sweet Pea remained a faithful and active member of Brown Chapel Baptist Church throughout her life. In 1961, she married Jerome Lester, and together they lovingly raised three sons: Tony, Kenneth, and Stoney. Later in life, she welcomed a daughter, Laketha, and twins–a daughter, Korties, and a son, Kortez. Sweet Pea was a diligent and hardworking woman who held several jobs throughout her life. Her employment included working at a hotel, the Unadilla Coat Factory–also known as Lanier–and Cox Enterprises at the Georgia State Fair. Sweet Pea was an exceptional cook who truly enjoyed preparing meals for others. She was especially known for her delicious chicken and dressing. She was also devoted to keeping her family connected. As a dedicated family-reunion organizer, she often spearheaded the planning and graciously hosted meetings in her home. Sweet Pea was mild-mannered, kindhearted, and exceptionally generous. She always wanted to make sure that everyone around her was doing well and in a good place. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her love, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of many. Early Sunday morning, July 12, 2026, Gloria Cherry Lester–our beloved Sweet Pea–peacefully went home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie S. Cherry and Elma Way Cherry; and siblings, LD, Willie Lee, Bessie Ann, and Earl.

Her beautiful life and precious memory will forever be cherished by her children, Tony (Meredith), Kenneth, Stoney, Laketha, Korties, and Kortez; siblings, Mamie, Claire (Greg), and Vincent; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Though Sweet Pea is no longer with us in body, her loving spirit, generous heart, and devotion to her family will remain with us forever.