Geneva Willis Lester (1923-2010)
Obituary
written by her daughter, Brenda Carol Litchfield
"Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there. I do not sleep, I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on the water. I am the sunlight on the green grass. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die. I am with you always."
Geneva Willis Litchfield, 86, passed away on June 15, 2010 after a full and meaningful life. She was the seventh of 12 children of Ada and Tolbert Lester born December 26, 1923 in Braselton, GA. She is survived by a brother, Tolbert Lester of Gainesville, GA and a sister Alice Palmer, of Athens, GA, her three children, and her husband, Ret. Navy Commander George A. Litchfield, her husband of 64 years. They met in Athens, GA during WW II and were married in 1946.
As a Navy wife, she moved throughout the US with her husband and three children before they retired in Beaufort in 1970. She made a wonderful home for her family in each of the 25 houses they lived in from 1946 to 1970. She never protested and was always ready for a new adventure, to meet new friends, and see new places. She loved Hawaii the most and felt fortunate to live there twice. She taught kindergarten and sewing at Parris Island school while her children went there in the 60s. She was active in church activities and wives’ groups on the numerous military bases where she lived.
Her real love was art. She was a founding member of the Beaufort Art Association and was active for decades. An accomplished watercolor artist, she won many ribbons in art shows over the years and still painted often. She always had the kindest things to say about everyone and looked for the positive in everything.
Being the seventh child she was incredibly lucky all her life. She won at Bingo, games, and drawings. Often she would not claim the prize because she won so often. She was strikingly beautiful inside and out and was kind to everyone. She never complained about anything and was always ready with a helping hand and a warm hug.
She was a loving mother to her three children, Dr. Brenda Litchfield (husband Dr. Jack Dempsey), Mobile, AL, Dennis Litchfield (wife Dale), Tallahassee, FL, and Marie Litchfield (husband Johnny Pollitzer), Beaufort. She was aunt to 35 nieces and nephews, 61 great, and great-great who all loved her dearly.
Funeral service will be held Friday at 10:00 at Anderson’s Funeral Home. She will be buried in Beaufort National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers she asked that donations be sent to the Geneva Litchfield Art Scholarship program at the Beaufort Art Association, POB 101, Beaufort, SC 29902 in her name. The world is a better place because of Geneva and she will be missed greatly by her husband, children, and all who knew her. Celebrate her life in your thoughts.