On Oct. 30, 2022, Angel Rae Duryea, previously known as Gail Ann Lester, a beloved wife and mother, passed away. Born in South Hampton, New York, on April 6, 1956 and raised in Amagansett, New York, she was the daughter of Madge Thayer and Stewart Roosevelt Lester, sister to Theodore R. Lester, and granddaughter of Theodore Roosevelt Lester and Jeany Bennett Lester.
She graduated with a B.A. in psychology from Long Island University, South Hampton, in 1989. In 1998 she moved to Laurel where she lived for 25 years.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Joshua Solomon Duryea, to whom she was married for 30 years, as well as her three children: Joshua Stewart Duryea, Matthew Solomon Duryea, and Katarina Rae Yates; her adopted son Vernard J. Goins, in addition to her son-in-law Jonathan Yates and daughter-in-law Amber Goins, along with seven grandchildren: Lilly Rae Yates, Luke Allen Yates, Emily Yates, Corriana Goins, Malachi Goins, Quinton Goins, and Nikola Goins.
She spent most of her working life serving in the Wesleyan ministry in the Chesapeake district of Maryland; she was also a homemaker for her children. Her hobbies included cooking, crocheting, singing, and playing guitar. Many people knew her for her beautiful singing voice and delicious food. She also spent her time reading and writing, and she was able to complete a book about her hometown before passing away. Despite many health battles in her life, including a fight with cancer and partial paralysis, she continued to be a conduit of the Lord and spread His word. She passed away from organ failure at Cabell Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, surrounded by her children and husband. She will be dearly missed by friends and family, as her light left such an impact on all who knew her.