Lester Lincoln Parris entered this world on April 11, 1960 in Arima on the beautiful twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. He was the third of four children born to the late Walter and Ermine Parris. At the age of six he joined his paternal grandmother in Siparia, South Trinidad where he began his early education.

As a teenager he returned to Arima and became involved in numerous church activities. Together with the home, school, and church; he acquired the skills he needed to succeed in the area of home improvement which became his lifework. From his grandmother he developed a love for baking and cooking and continuously sought to improve his culinary skills which included such delicacies as cakes, sugar-cake and toolum. He later acquired the skills of making cassava pone and pastel.

He migrated to the United States in 1978 at the age of 19 and lived with his father in Takoma Park, Maryland. While there he met the love of his life, Margaret and on December 28, 1986 they were married in Trinidad. To this union four sons were their gifts and heritage from God. Lester was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed food and fellowship during family gatherings, visiting places where he grew up in Trinidad, going fishing and preparing the catch himself using his homemade seasoning.

He assisted with clearing the ground and later the erection of the Metropolitan SDA church which became his home congregation. He was actively involved in the Pathfinder club as a counselor and was always willing to undertake other club responsibilities. All four sons grew up in the Pathfinder Club.

Over the past five years his health challenges worsened and he underwent many medical procedures. However, throughout his discomfort he was cheerful and would never turn down an offer to help someone especially the elderly who requested home repairs even if he received no remuneration.

On January 10, 2020 he passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and sons. He loved to sing hymns and requested a simple funeral service with lots of singing. As a result, his wife Margaret used the following hymns to describe his life. These are some of his favorites:

This is my story, this is my song; He loved praising his Savior all the day long.

The Lord is my light by night and by day; Under His wings I promise I would stay

Sometimes I wandered away from God; But always heard a voice from the Lord

Saying, “My brother be faithful, soon Jesus will come”

So work while you have life today by sowing seeds of kindness along life’s way.

Work for the night is coming when man’s work is done.

Give of your best to the Master; Rescue the perishing, pray and care for the dying.

Patiently win them the devil must flee; Tell a poor wanderer the Savior died for thee.

Following Christ’s example and with the help of Pastor Munoz from Seabrook Church Lester led Jennifer, Esther William’s sister to Christ before her death.

Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide; Softly and tenderly he called me by His side

Dying with Jesus by death reckoned mine, living with Jesus a new life divine.

Lester has fought a good fight, he has kept the faith, his race on earth is won;

He is awaiting the call of the life-giver who will say to him, “Well Done!”

Lester is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Ermine Parris, his brother Wendell, his sister Sharon Rattan, and his sister Lois Parris.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Margaret of 33 years (last December), his sons Darien, Derron, Devon and Duane. His grandchildren Daniel, Nadia, David and Emmanuel.

Brothers-in-law:  Newton Andrews, Frederick, Julian, Lancelot, Augustine, (Guy, Clyde, Norman,

Reuben deceased)

Sisters-in-law: Dr. Lydia Andrews, Mrs. Kathleen Griffith, Mrs. Shirley Griffith, Mrs. Gloria Griffith, Mrs. Margot Griffith, Mrs. Deborah Griffith, Brenda Griffith and Cynthia Griffith

Nieces: Violet, Velvette, Keisha and many others

Nephews: Kern, Keston, Damien and many others

Cousin of the Roberts, St Hillaire, Parris, Toppin, Morris, Brereton

Also a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and customers too numerous to mention.