Annette Frances Kesler's Obituary
Annette Frances Kesler, age 63 passed away October 18, 2022, in Tampa, Fl. She was born in New Britain Connecticut, to Bert and Arlene Smith. After leaving home she was married to her first husband Allen Wooten Sr. and had her first child. Many years later, she Met and married her first love Richard A. Lyons Sr. on February 14, 1989, who proceeded her in death in 1994. She focused on raising her children for the next few years, until she met the love of her life Robert J. Kesler. They were married September 9, 2006.
Annette LOVED on people. She loved to embroider baby blankets, robes, shirts, hats and almost anything her customers needed, when ordering from her online store Annette's Embroidery. Her specialty was baby blanket birth announcements for Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She never sat still and was always helping someone. She loved to share her love of cooking with foods such as real fried chicken, sausage gravy and biscuits, Homemade Beef Stew, yellow rice and chicken, cabbage stuff, and many others. This was evident in all the cooking she did while traveling and on her many camping trips. One of her favorite things to do on her many camping trips were the bonfires. She loved the smell, feel, and togetherness a bonfire brings.
For many years Annette worked as a bus driver for Hillsborough County Schools. This suited her love for children. Her students called her the "cool bus driver" as she would buy sodas & snacks for the end of year celebration every year. After her career as a bus driver, she was proud to be a dedicated mother first and foremost, followed by a devoted wife. This was the job that made her most Happy. She treasured her children and every moment with them. She was MOST PROUD of her title as Grammy. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends wherever she went.
Annette is survived by her devoted loving husband, Robert J. Kesler. Her parents Bert and Arlene Smith. Her brothers Donald Smith and George Smith. Her sons Allen Wooten and Richard Lyons Jr. Her daughters Jessica Lyons and Ashley Lyons. Her stepdaughters Melissa Ruski and Courtney Turner. Her Stepsons Sonny Lyons and Stephen Kesler. She also had 17 Grandchildren: Amanda, Billy, Kassie, Joshua, Zach, Meghan, Staci, Allen, Brooklyn, Griffin, Neveah, Nola, Sophia, Hayle, Lexi, Ayden and Audrey. 10 Great Grandchildren, and 6 nieces and nephews. All of whom she loved deeply.
Please join us in celebrating her life, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Visitation will be held from 11 am till 1 pm. Followed by service at 1 pm at Open Door Baptist Church 7405 Harney Rd. Tampa, Fl 33637. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gravestone purchase by calling 1-888-979-2878 and reference the contract ID# 068542002289 Last name Kesler.
There will be a Celebration of Life after the service at the family home 3103 Young Rd Plant City, Fl 33565. We would love for everyone to attend and share their stories, thoughts, laughs and memories with us.
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