CASTER BELL LETT (AGE 85) OF TEMPLE HILLS, MARYLAND

Caster Bell Lett (born, Casabella Pettaway) was born in Boykin (Gee's Bend), Alabama in 1936, to Chesterfield Pettaway and Mable Lee Gales, on February 15th.  Caster was the niece and cousin of the Gee's Bend Quilters who were featured at the Corcoran Museum (D.C.) in 2004, and have requests for their quilts from all over the world!  After graduating from high school, Caster married the late Charles H. Lett, Sr. in 1956.  As a military wife, she supported him from Alabama, to Arizona, Massachusetts, Washington D.C, England (where she worked with the Girl Scouts of America for 8 years) and Turkey. From their marriage came 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  Caster retired from the D.C. Public School System after working as a Teacher's Aide for 37 years, making lifelong friendships with co-workers, administrators as well as students!

The Lett family moved to Temple Hills, Maryland in 1969.  Over 35 years ago, she became an active member of the Marlow/Hillcrest Heights Civic Association.  She held the office of President for 2 terms. Caster became increasingly concerned about the lack of recreational opportunities for the youth in the neighborhood.  On any given weekend, she could be seen walking the streets, talking to young men who regularly gathered on the corners to hang out together; much to the chagrin of her husband!  Their conversational exchanges began in a "prickly" manner, they did not trust her.  She was asked often, "What makes you different? …and "What else are we supposed to do? There is nothing here for us to do!"  After months of her returning time and time again to encourage them, listen to them, and crying with them as they lost friends to violence and the streets, they began to look forward to talking to her. In time, they would come to her defense when unfamiliar young men would challenge her.

Driven by her concern for children and teens, Caster began speaking out at county and state hearings, meeting with public officials, politicians, and quite frankly, anyone who would listen.  After a neighborhood fight between teen girls, she organized and hosted activities for young girls to learn how to talk to each other instead of fighting.  While going to meetings, taking her grandchildren with her to get petitions signed to get a neighborhood recreation center, Caster gained the ear of people who could make things happen.  She spearheaded the effort for the building of the Hillcrest Heights Recreation Center, which led to her cutting the opening ceremony red ribbon!  Mom received many awards working with District 26 legislators and council members for her community service which led her to being featured in "Who's Who in Prince George's County."

Caster joined Cornerstone Baptist Community Church (CBCC) over 40 years ago!  She has faithfully served as Kindergarten SONday School Teacher over 30 years and sang in the Sanctuary Choir over 2 decades, until suffering an injury to her vocal cords.  The songs she sang became the favorites of many, like "One Day at a Time," "If I Perish," and "Somebody Prayed for me."  No doubt about it, Caster Lett loved God, her family, her community and her church family!  If given a couple of minutes and a microphone, she was sure to tell you that our children need kindness, encouragement and lots of loving! Her proudest accomplishments include teaching the students in her SONday School class to pray, and have a little talk with Jesus!  She would say some even learned to read in her class.  She and co-teacher Sister Margaret Young, spent long hours together planning, laughing, teaching and sharing proudly about the spiritual growth of their students!  In 2020, Caster was honored at the CBCC Black History Service for being a trail blazer in the community, a faithful member and a champion of youth!

Caster was passionate about politics and ANYTHING Barack and Michelle Obama! Caster was always on the side of children. She absolutely loved teaching SONday School, family dinners and all of her "babies!" She will remain our treasure forever. Until we meet again on the other side Momma!

Caster was preceded in death by her parents, Chesterfield Pettaway and Mabel Lee Gales, Brownie Nettles Wilson; her husband, Charles H. Lett Sr.; one grandson, Steven P. Williams; brother, Rayfield Pettaway; sister, Della Beck; mother-in-law, son in-law, Paul Fletcher and sister in-law, Edith Wilson.

Caster leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her two deeply loyal daughters, Sheila and Sylvia Lett; a committed and loving son, Charles H. Lett Jr.; five siblings; Maurice Pettaway, Malcolm Pettaway, Amy Pettaway, Freda Clark and Zelda (Clark) Pettaway; an Aunt, Ethel Steam Mickle; six grandchildren; Jeffery Lett, Joy Lett Barnes (Lonnie Sr.), Aaron Scott, Solomon Scott (Tkeyah), Princess Frederick and Chloe Poe Lett; nine great grandchildren; Imani Williams, Madisyn Lett, Lonnie Barnes Jr., Aaron Scott Jr., Makai Scott, Jeffery Lett Jr., Liam Barnes, Lincoln Scott and Mason Lett.  She also leaves behind brother in-laws, Jerry Lett (Patricia) and Willie Joe Wilson and sister in-law, Marilyn Wilson along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever remember her.

Friends may visit with the family Thursday, March 11 from 10-12pm at the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640. Funeral service and interment will be held privately.

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