Judy Sloop McLester

Judy Sloop McLester, 85, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Born on August 10, 1940, in Concord, North Carolina, Judy was the daughter of Viola Tarlton Sloop and Robert Smoot Sloop. She grew up surrounded by a close-knit family and carried those values of love and connection throughout her life.

Judy was a devoted mother and cherished friend. She is survived by her son, Donald Lee McLester, Jr., and his wife Sarah of Check, Virginia; her son-in-law Tony Haynes of Knoxville, Tennessee; her brother Billy Mack Sloop and his wife Shelby Jean of Stanfield, North Carolina; and her nieces Billy Sloop Kiker, Bobby Sloop Furr, Sandy Sloop Williams, and Teresa "Terrie" Sealy Hartman; plus nephew George Wilburn.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Lee McLester, Sr.; her daughter Kathy Anita McLester Haynes; her parents; her siblings Edna Mae Sloop, Daisy Louise "Pat" Sloop Moore, and Marjie Elizabeth Sloop Sealy; and her nephew James "Jimmy" Edward Sloop.

Judy’s life was filled with meaningful relationships and joyful experiences. She shared countless adventures with her dear friends Kathy Jenkins, Becky Keller, and Sherry Therrell. Their shopping trips and lunch outings were treasured traditions that brought laughter and companionship. One particularly memorable highlight was a cross-country road trip the group affectionately referred to as “the ladies’ adventure,” filled with stories of lighthearted mischief and enduring friendship.

Travel played a special role in Judy’s life. She created lasting memories with her daughter Kathy on cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean, a thrilling trip to Hawaii with Kathy and son Donald that included helicopter tours and ziplining adventures, and many other cherished excursions. These journeys were not just vacations—they were a way of connecting with her children and the greater world.

Family traditions were at the heart of Judy’s world. Among the most beloved were annual beach trips to Cherry Grove when the children were young. Renting a beach house each year became a treasured ritual—days filled with sunshine, sandcastles, laughter, and the warmth of shared moments with friends.

A woman of faith throughout her life, Judy attended church services regularly at Sharon Baptist Church and lived her Christian love through kindness to others. Her gentle spirit touched many lives.

Judy was also known for her talents in the kitchen. Her chocolate cake and coconut pie became legendary among family members—favorites that brought comfort during holidays or any time they were lucky enough to enjoy them.

In recent years, Judy received compassionate care from the dedicated staff at Caremoor in Kannapolis. Her family is especially grateful for their support as well as for the caregivers who provided comfort during her final days: Pricilla Faust, Charles Gray, Sam Janwokowski, Raven McCree, Genelle McPherson, Emone Melvin, and Debra Nesbit.

Visitation to be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with a service to follow at 3:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home, 460 Branchview Drive NE, Concord, NC 28025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the McLester family.