Former longstanding “Voice of Jackson State” passes at age 74

The Jackson State Community College (JSCC) community mourns the passing of Margie Lester, known as the longstanding “voice of Jackson State” during her 51-year career at Jackson State as a receptionist. 

Lester, known by many for her ability to connect with people through the calls she answered or when they visited campus, began her career in 1971 working as a secretary for the college’s public relations after she graduated from JSCC. Several years later, JSCC Founding President, Dr. F.E. Wright asked her to be the college’s receptionist, and the rest was history. 

In that role, she worked the main switchboard for the college, answering and routing every call that came in. She was the first voice you heard when you called and became synonymous with the college. Her ability to connect with everyone she talked to was a gift that impacted the lives of thousands of students, parents, community members, and co-workers by making every person feel welcome and included at JSCC.  

While her voice impacted thousands, her heart for helping others extended just as far with a reputation throughout the campus-community for assisting students by anonymously helping them through financial struggles and other times of need – many never knowing who helped them when they needed it most. 

Lester grew up on the University of Tennessee Experiment Station where her dad, Joe Allen Mays, was a farmer. She has two children, Jeffrey and Jeremy, who are fraternal twins. Jeffrey and his wife, Tori, have two sons. Jeremy and his wife, Julia, have two boys and a girl. 

Funeral arrangements have been set for Thursday, June 19, 2025, with visitation for family and friends taking place from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Arrington Funeral Directors at 148 W University Parkway in Jackson. 

Her family encourages all that have had their lives impacted by Margie to donate to the JSCC Foundation Student Relief Fund to honor and continue her legacy of positively impacting the lives of others. 

Donations can also be made to the Dream Center, RIFA, and Birth Choice in her honor - all organizations that she also cared deeply about.