Shirley Lee
1941 ~ 2018
Date of death: November 1, 2018
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Lee family. Shirley's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Shirley Lee.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Mrs. Lee was born Jan. 10, 1941 in Carthage, Arkansas and raised in Fordyce, Arkansas. Her parents, Arthur and Cleo Fort taught her at a young age the importance of missionary work and community service.Through their love and support, she obtained a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Baptist College and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas. She worked for the Fort Smith Public School System for over 40 years, primarily for Howard Elementary School as a Special Education teacher. She received the Golden Apple Award for her service and dedication to the education of young minds.
Mrs. Lee served her community and church faithfully for years. She was a devoted Pastor’s Wife and member of Unity Missionary Baptist Church. She served as the Minister of Music, playing the piano for many years. A willing servant of God in many capacities, lending a helping hand to everyone. She was a mother, teacher, and friend to all that knew her. Among her many accomplishments, Shirley served on the committee for the development of the Fort Smith Convention Center, a member of the Phyllis Wheatly Club and the Northwest Region of Federated Woman Clubs of Arkansas and served as Vice President of the Fort Smith Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Mrs. Lee leaves to cherish her loving memory, two sons, Rodney (Brenda) Lee of Mira Loma, California and Cozax (Katherine) Lee of Fort Smith, Arkansas; one sister, Carolyn Idowu of Las Vegas, Nevada; one brother, Clayburn Throw of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mrs. Lee is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Cleo Fort; her husband, Rev. Lorenzo Lee; two sisters, Dorothy Tatum and Johnny Watkins; and two sons, Jerome Roberts and Derek Todd.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 9, 2018 from 6-7pm at Rowell-Parish Mortuary.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, November 10, 2018, 11:00am at Ninth Street Baptist Church, 1023 North Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
Committal service and final resting place will be held at Oak Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.