Lesley (Best) Diamond

Lesley Best Diamond, 71, of Carterville passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

A celebration of her life conducted by her family, will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, IL.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

Lesley is survived by her son, Robert (Pam) Terry of Herrin, IL, brother, Ron (Cheryl) Best of Sarasota, FL; her sister Madeline (Mark) Durka of Houston, TX; and as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Lesley Maureen Best was born February 4, 1954, in Anna, IL, to Lester W. and Adeline D. (Mohele) Best.

Lesley attended grade school in Carterville, IL and graduated from Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, IL in 1972.

Lesley graduated from John A. Logan College and began her career in nursing, which lasted over 45 years. Lesley dedicated her life to the care of others as a nurse, while balancing family and the challenge of being a single mom.

Lesley was a fun and caring person who loved and was loved by many many friends. Lesley loved cats, tolerated dogs, and never turned friends or family in need away.

Lesley was known as Nana to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was never shy about showering them with love or spoiling them at every opportunity.

Lesley was known as Mom to many of her son's friends as they were growing up. She was always willing to offer a caring ear or a stern lecture as needed.

Lesley was preceded in death by her parents, Lester W. Best and Adeline D. (Mohele) Best of Carterville, IL.
 

For more information, please visit rigginpillatschburkefh.com

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