Lela F. Estes

Lela F. Estes, age 82 of Dayton, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Sanctuary at Wilmington Place. She was born June 3, 1934 in Cartersville, Georgia to the late George and Maudi Miller.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Travis Estes; siblings, Tom Miller, Dusty Miller, Jim Miller, Roberta Hightower and Bertha Martin.

Lela will be missed by her children, Deborah (James M.) Watson, Peggy (Jeff) Reed, George (Carole) Estes and Ned Estes; grandchildren, John (Lynn) Lucas, Jennifer (Eric) Gustavas, Jeff (Erica) Reed, Josh (Lauren) Estes, Ein (Jennifer) Hisel, Houston (Jessica) Estes, Calvin (Jonda) Estes, Tyler Estes, Madison Estes, Aaron Estes, Presley Estes, Matt Estes, Jennifer Plowman and Heather Smith-Brewer; several great-grandchild; brother, Ernest Miller; many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Family will receive friends Friday, March 31, 2017 from 5-8 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home - North Chapel (4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45424) where the funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday. Burial Woodland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Our Common Heritage- Lela Estes Scholarship (Sinclair Community College) or to Hospice of Dayton.
Lela has contributed a lifetime of dedication to her community as a volunteer, community leader and civil servant.

In 1977, Lela began her 27 year career as a civil servant for the City of Dayton. During the tumultuous 1070's, Lela promoted peace and called for tolerance during the desegregation of Dayton Public Schools. The City of Dayton named a home improvement fund after her as a tribute to her dedication and commitment. The City of Dayton's Youth in Government Program was developed in honor of the work of Lela Estes, C.J. McLin Sr., W.S. McIntosh and Lela Frances in their efforts to improve the lives of citizens of Dayton, bridge cultural divides and help youth succeed. The Youth in Lives Government Program rewards teens that have exemplified the three "A"'s attendance, attitude and academics. It is now in three Dayton Public Schools.

Lela was the driving force for the creation of Our Common Heritage. Founded in 1972. The organization promotes a strong voice for dignity and equitable treatment for the Appalachian population in the greater Dayton area. Lela has dedicated her life to creating a positive voice for this disenfranchised population within the greater Dayton area. The organization continues to significant in the Dayton community. Celebrating its 34th year, The Mountain Days Festival is a two day celebration of the culture and heritage of the Appalachian people.

Additionally, Lela's work as a board member of Dayton Access Televisions (DATV) has helped shape the media coverage of the pressing issues of the day as vocalized by nonprofit organizations with education, cultural and human services mission. A tangible example of Lela's influence is the DATV show hosted by Our Common Heritage which highlights the Appalachian culture in Dayton as well as opportunities for people of Appalachian decent in Dayton.

Lela was instrumental in bringing the Black Lung Program into the Miami Valley. Through Lela's endeavors, caseworkers came from West Virginia for a two day project. The Miami Valley Lung Association appreciating the need of this program in the area, agreed to sponsor the workers so as to continue to provide services.

In honor of her community activism, Our Common Heritage developed the Lela Estes Scholarship Fund that provided financial grants to Appalachian youth attending Sinclair Community College. Established over six years ago, the scholarship assists people of Appalachian heritage to meet their educational needs and better service their family and community.

In 2005, Lela was appointed to City of Dayton's civil Service Board. She has also worked with many nonprofits over the years, including Dayton Police Crime Prevention Citizens Advisory Board and the Ohio Arts Council. She continues to be a tireless advocate for citizens of East Dayton through her work with East End Community Services and Walnut Hills Community Council. She also serves on the Appalachian Outreach Committee for Sinclair Community College.

Lela has been honored with numerous awards over her career, including Sinclair's Unsung Hero Award, Top Ten Women, Peace Bridge Hall of Fame, and the AFL/CIO Community Service e Award. Lela also received the Joseph Cline Award trice from the City of Dayton, which honors city employees who strive for continued excellence as public servants of Dayton.

She is the proud mother of four grown children and proud grandmother of nine.