Ms. Jessie Joyce Lee

“Every blade in the fields every leaf in the forest, lays down its life in its seasons, as beautifully as it was taken” Henry David Thoreau The beautiful life of Jessie Joyce Lee began on December 19, 1940. She was born to Cleveland and Sadie Lee in Yalobasha County of Coffeeville, Mississippi. She was the only child of this union, both her parents preceded her in death. Jessie affectionately called Betty by her family members and friends but at work she was known as Boleged Jessie. Jessie accepted Christ at an early age. Betty would often tell stories of her young life living with her grandmother, mom Patsy, and her thirteen cousins all living in a two room house. How all was in order and everyone had chores. She was educated in the Coffeeville school system and continued her education by attending Ittabena Jr. Vocational College on a basketball scholarship and two years at Nathers Jr. College with a B.A. in Social Studies. She won a basketball championship for state of Mississippi. Her hobby was music, caring for others, and keeping a good running car. After leaving college, Betty moved to Detroit in 1965 where she began a relationship with her father and stepmom Della Lee. She also stepped in the roll of a second mom for Faye and her daughter. She started at GM in 1965 working there as an inspector until retirement. Jessie Lee was a very active Red Hat member. Jessie was the Vice Queen of Classy Ladies Red Hat Society. Cynthia Worthy was the Queen. Jessie was known and appreciated by Red Hats all over Detroit, Ohio, Lansing, and Traverse City. Jessie, also known as Betty, was a constant participant of the Order of Eastern Star. We used to call her our Honorary Eastern Star because she worked hard at the Temple. She will be truly missed. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Aque Boyd, Thomas Boyd, John Eddie Lee and one sister Francis Lucas. On Monday, November 13, 2017, Betty received her summons and went home to be with the Lord having shared a beautiful life and leaving a rich and storied legacy with family and friends. We rejoice in knowing that death is not extinguishing her life; it is merely putting out the lamp because dawn has come for Betty. Betty will always be with us as long as we remember the things she taught us by example. In every way we'll never be apart, she is still a part of us. Our lives are symbolic of a book and each day we make a contribution to a page and at the end of our lives, someone will read from that book. Today, we are reading from chapters of the life of Jessie Joyce Lee. We thank God for her life.

Ms. Jessie Joyce Lee

December 19, 1940 - November 13, 2017