Rebecca Mackie Estes

Rebecca Mackie Estes, 85, of North Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025. She was born on July 1, 1940, in Sault Sainte Marie, MI, to Edward Mackie and Eva Mackie.

In 1959, Rebecca moved to the Chesapeake, Virginia, area with her husband, Frederic (Ric) Lester, her spouse of 25 years and the father of her four children.

Love found Rebecca twice in her lifetime — first with Frederic (Ric) Lester and later with Chandler Estes, her devoted partner of 12 years. Both preceded her in death.

While living in Columbia, SC, Rebecca was an active member of Windsor United Methodist Church, where she served on the board of God’s Storehouse, the church’s outreach ministry. A lifelong advocate for those in need, she volunteered full-time, dedicating herself to helping others and always finding just the right things for each client she served.

After moving to North Charleston in 2006, Rebecca became a member of Riverbluff Church, where she continued her ministry of service through her work at the Midlands Park Crisis Center. She also dedicated her time to her community, serving as President of the Hidden River Subdivision Homeowners Association. During her tenure, Rebecca spearheaded numerous improvements that enhanced the neighborhood and strengthened the sense of community among its residents.

Rebecca was an extraordinary woman—intelligent, creative, and spirited. She was a gifted artist whose paintings continue to bless her family and others, and a talented gardener with a remarkable green thumb. She nurtured a love of plants and nature that she passed down to all four of her children. Rebecca had a deep love for her family and friends and found joy in every gathering.

Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who know her.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Mackie and Eva Mackie; her sister, Sandra Mackie Sandberg; her brother, Edward Mackie Jr.; and her grandson, Connor Alan Lester. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Wessling (Donald); her four children, Arlene Lester-Carlson (Mark), Annette Miller, Douglas Lester (Anita), and Craig Lester; and nine grandchildren: Joshua Sprouse, Jessica Sprouse, Justin Sprouse (Noel), Hite Miller III, Cameron Miller, Rebekah De Los Sanchez (Daniel), Joe Lester (Jessica), Madelaine Lester Meister (John), and Jackson Laulunen.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Rebecca Mackie Estes will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Riverbluff Church, 5421 Riverbluff Parkway, North Charleston, SC 29420. A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome to attend.