Lera Mae (Espy) Dado

Lera Mae (Espy) Dado, 99, of Freeburn, KY, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family and friends on February 6, 2024. Lera Mae is survived by her loving husband of 80 years, Joe “Spinell” Dado; son Larry (Peggy) Dado; grandchildren Chad (Tricia) Sanders, Valerie (Adam) Propp, Natalie (Adam) Rocco, Andrew (Melissa) Dado; great grandchildren W. Chase (Kassidy) Sanders, Alec “AJ” Sanders, Carter Propp, Parker Propp, Luca Rocco; great-great grandchild Oliver Sanders; siblings Hal (Joanie) Espy, Clarence “Honey Bunch” Jr, and Judy Espy; brothers-in-law Ralph Dado, Jimmy (Kathy) Dado; sisters-in-law Darlene (Rodney) Estepp and Carol Dado.  Lera was born in Harlan County, KY on May 18th, 1924, to the late Clarence and Ruby Espy.

She is also preceded in death by daughter Jacqueline “Carlene” and her husband William “Corby” Sanders; siblings Wendy (Bill) Adams, Peggy (Chuck) Michaels, Audie Espy, William “Snook” (June) Espy, James Espy, Dale(Patti) Espy; sisters-in-law Helen Dado, Mary Dado, Nannie Simpers, Rosa Dado; brothers-in-law Frank Dado, Vic Dado, Louis Dado Jr, and Ralph Dado.

 After high school, Lera traveled to Maryland to work in a munition plant in support of World War II.  Upon her return, she married Joe, her high school sweetheart, on June 10th, 1943. Lera then went to work as a buyer for the Freeburn Imperial Coal Company. She retired from the Freeburn U.S Post office after nearly 20 years. Lera was a founding member of the Phelps High School Reunion Committee for the classes of 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. She was a lifelong member of the Freeburn United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and prominent member of the church choir.  Lera loved to sing country and religious songs and was known for her beautiful voice. Her favorite song was Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” She performed with her husband and his band in weekly get togethers with family and friends. Lera and Joe enjoyed traveling together to their favorite country music attractions in Tennessee and spent many summers vacationing with family in Myrtle Beach, SC.

The family wishes to thank hospice and the many people that contributed to Lera’s care, especially her long-term caregiver, Margaret Beasley. Margaret spent countless hours showering Lera with love and affection.

Family will receive guests on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 from 6-10pm at Gooslin Bottom Church of God located at 41690 State Hwy 194E Phelps, KY 41553.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, February 11th, 2024  at 12pm at Gooslin Bottom Church with Pastor Benny Freeman officiating. Burial services follow at Buskirk Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, Kentucky.  The guestbook may be viewed at www.joneswestfh.com.

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