Harry Dwight Jester

June 20, 1945 – June 22, 2025

Harry Jester arrived safely at his heavenly home on Sunday, June 22, 2025. He has now seen Jesus-the One whose love, grace, and mercy brought him into eternal life. Born on June 20, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, Harry was the beloved son of Emmett Earl and Ethel Mae Pendleton Jester, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his four brothers: Hildred, Herbert, Hartwell, and Harold.

Harry is survived by his college sweetheart and devoted wife of 60 years, Barbara Young Jester, the love of his life. He leaves behind two children: his son Jeremy (Rebecca) Jester of Franklin, Tennessee, and his daughter Jill (Tom) Chrusciel of Jackson, Missouri. He was a proud and loving “Grampy” to his four grandchildren-Noah Jester, Mimi Jester, Abi Chrusciel Carr (Aaron), and Nolan Chrusciel-who brought immense joy to his life. Harry was deeply proud of each of them and how God has blessed their lives.

A graduate of Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas (Class of 1963), Harry went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He later earned a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Theological Seminary and a Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary. During his time in seminary, Harry deepened his understanding of God’s calling on his life-the ministry of serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reverend Jester faithfully served churches in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas in both pastoral and staff roles. In 1976, the Jester family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where Harry joined the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources), working in the Church Sales division. In this role, he helped churches across the country build new facilities and develop their ministries through the use of church furnishings.

Harry was known for his love of laughter, quick wit, and well-timed one-liners-after all, he was a Jester by name and by nature. He had a gift for humor and a heart for people, especially senior adults. He and Barbara joyfully organized day trips for the Mt. Juliet Senior Center, often loading up the bus and setting off on new adventures with cherished friends.

A passionate photographer and videographer, Harry served as the Television Director at Two Rivers Baptist Church for over a decade. Through his freelance business, Jester Productions, he shared his talent for storytelling, capturing cherished moments for countless couples on their wedding day.

Harry loved teaching the Bible and was a longtime teacher of “The New Beginnings” Lifegroup at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church, where he also served faithfully as a deacon and on various ministry teams. His faith was the foundation of his life, guiding his devotion to his family and his ministry. That faith lives on through his children and grandchildren, whose spiritual growth brought him great joy. Serving others in the name of Jesus was not only his calling-it was his life’s purpose.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church, located at 3475 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life service will follow on Saturday, June 28, at 11:00 a.m, at the same location. The family invites Harry’s friends to join them in honoring his memory with stories, laughter, and ice cream following the service.

Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, 615-758-5459, obituary line 615-758-8818, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com