Betty Annese Barrett (affectionately known as Minna) was born in Washington, DC at Freedman's Hospital (now known as Howard University Hospital) on New Years Day, January 1, 1945 to James Jackson Lester and Emma Aretha Lytes-Lester. Betty was raised in Montgomery County, MD where she received her formal education. Betty later married James Barrett and resided in Washington, DC. Betty was employed with the Federal Government throughout her professional career. She worked as an Administrative Assistant with the Department of Agriculture until retiring in November 2004. In her spare time Betty loved to dance, take long walks and read the Bible. She enjoyed shopping and was known to be a sharp dresser. Betty taught herself to sew and would often make her own clothes, sometimes without a pattern. Betty loved to cook and was known to make fresh snow cones on snow days, often to the delight of her children. Betty was a caring mother, sister and friend. She was always known to help people in need. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, James and Emma Lester; daughter, Lorrell D. Lester; and sisters, Jean Butler and Barbara Briscoe. Betty will forever be remembered by her children, Wanda Renee Lester, John Wesley Harris and Marvin Dawayne Lester; 4 grandchildren, Lakia Graves, Lanique Goode, David Lester and Norrita Sandidge; 4 great-grandchildren, Kelis Davis, Latajah Graves, Lanyiah Graves, and Caleb Lester; 2 brothers, Marvin and Jerome Lester; 1 aunt, Inez Stephenson; and a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing from 10 am until time of service 11 am Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Henry S. Washington & Sons Chapel, 4925 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. N.E. Washington, DC 20019. Interment Harmony Memorial Park, Landover, MD.