Lela Lambert Bales, 99, of the Tow String Community, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.
A native of Cherokee and born April 20, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Jesse and Cora Bradley Lambert and wife of the late Rev. Shady Bales.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her son, David Jesse Bales; grandson, David Ethan Bales; sisters, Cleo Gallaway, Eula Sanders, Floy Mathews; and brother, Rev. Dan Lambert.
She was a wonderful homemaker, was avid in her hobbies and traveled for 31 years with the Tsali Manor Senior Citizens. She was a member of Tow String Baptist Church.
Lela is survived by her children, Gladys Cochran and husband Dewey, Glenna Cunningham and husband Gene, Elizabeth Ledford and husband Roger, Oscar Bales and wife Stephanie; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister, Tinsa Sanders and her brother, Rev. Ray Lambert and wife Betty; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 2 in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Revs. J.T. Lambert and Tim Barker officiated with burial in the Tow String Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the Tsali Care Center and Dr. Winchester for their loving care of Lela.