Julia Ruth (Knight) Jester, 96, of Kannapolis, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. 

Born on November 10, 1929 in Morgantown, Indiana, she was the fourth of nine children of the late Rev. Paul Samuel Knight and Ollie Lela (Whitaker) Knight. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Samuel Lee Jester, and 7 of her siblings. 

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Kay Jester; her son, Michael Kent Jester; 1 grandson; 4 greatgrandchildren; one sister, Marjorie Joyce (Knight) Ballinger; and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Julia raised her family in Southern California where she loved to tend her flower gardens and spend days at the beach. She worked in sales and accounting for various companies throughout her career including; Borden Foods, Ball Glass, and Sirena Swimwear.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis. A graveside service will be held at 10:00am the following day Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Carolina Memorial Park with Rev. Scott Wheeler officiating 

Flowers may be sent to Whitley’s Funeral Home or, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kannapolis First Wesley Church Youth-  KFWC.org/give