Lori Leigh Kesler
October 10, 1963 — April 27, 2014
Mrs. Kesler was born October 10, 1963, in Amory, MS, to Joel Camp of Sulligent, AL, and Patsy Sams of Columbus, MS. She was a graduate of S. D. Lee High School, attended the University of Alabama, and received her Bachelor's degree from Mississippi University for Women. Mrs. Kesler served in leadership of many organizations including Soroptimist International, American Business Women's Association, Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM), Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, and MUW Lowndes County Alumni Association.
She was also a longtime supporter of Columbus Air Force Base having served on the Base Community Council and received the prestigious Wingman Award in 2004 from Wing Commander Stephen D. Schimdt. Mrs. Kesler was named Outstanding Young Woman of America and was Executive Director of the United Way of Lowndes County. During her time at United Way, she started the Disaster Recovery Center in Columbus that aided families affected by the 2001 and 2002 storms. Mrs. Kesler also worked in banking with First Columbus National Bank, Unisouth Bank, and Trustmark Bank. She was of the Episcopal faith, loved Columbus, and was always eager to serve in every capacity she could.
In addition to her parents, survivors include her husband, Thomas L. Kesler of Columbus, MS, daughter, Olivia Leigh Kesler of Columbus, MS, and
sisters, Lisa Camp Tedford of Columbus, MS, and Leah Sams Lumm of Memphis, TN.
Pallbearers will be David Tedford, Brad Markham, George Lumm, Dr. Mark Bean, Tim Hudson, and Austin Markham.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be madeto the donor's favorite charity.
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