Obituary of Rev. Milton Thomas Lester Jr.

Reverend Milton Thomas Lester Jr. passed away in Perth Amboy at home on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at the age 66. After a long illness, he peacefully went home to be with the Lord.

He is survived by his wife Linda, sons Milton III, Matthew Lester, and kinship of two children Nyrre and Robert Dewitt. The 6th eldest of 13 children, he is survived by mother Rosa Cook Lester of Colorado Springs, CO, siblings Thelma Jones (Clemmi) of New Brunswick, NJ, Eric Cook (Donna) of Somerset, NJ, Patricia Ann Middlebrook of Haddock, GA, Ernest Lester of Colorado Springs, CO, David Lester of Colorado Springs, CO, and Barbara Grindle (John) of Colorado Springs, CO along with a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins and a very special Aunt, Gertrude Hargrove.

Milton grew up in Newark, New Jersey and was called to ministry at the age of 16. He began preaching to the masses at Randal Chapel Baptist church. For several years, he was the presiding Pastor over the New Hope Baptist youth church. He was called to lead and advocate for the youth. In addition to being a servant leader for youth, he served multiple seasons as the NAACP President in various regions.

Services will be held on Friday, November 17th. The viewing and services will be held at New Hope Baptist Church located on 45 Hampton Street, Metuchen, NJ. The viewing will be held from 9am – 11am. Service will begin at 11am. Services will be officiated by Pastor Marcus Johnson of Somerset Baptist Church and worship will be led by Bishop Ronald L. Owens. Pallbearers will be Milton Lester, Matthew Lester, Corey Hardy, Roger Lester, Erick Cook Jr., and Roderick Rose.

“When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and what he has done for me, my soul cries out, “Hallelujah!” Thank God for saving me.”