In Memory
Barbara Jean (Byron) Lee
September 4, 1934 ~ November 12, 2025 (age 91)
It is with profound sadness, yet also with immense gratitude for a life richly lived, that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Barbara Jean Byron Lee. She entered eternal rest on November 12, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Born in South Bend, Indiana, on September 4, 1934, to the late Robert Nelson Byron and Mary Elizabeth Curry, Barbara was a beacon of strength, faith, and unwavering love throughout her long and impactful journey.
Known for her generous, gentle, and loving spirit, and her deep devotion to her community and faith, Mrs. Barbara Lee’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance and grace. She will always be remembered for the love she showed towards her family and friends, her positive attitude, and the encouraging words she offered to others. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she consistently prioritized the needs of her family above her own. She particularly lived her life by Matthew 25:35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Barbara Lee dedicated her life to her family. Her passion for sewing and her commitment to teaching and mentoring young women at her church ministry were among her most cherished hobbies. She was a homemaker for many years and also worked as a librarian. She loved to bake pound cakes and meticulously kept track of all family birthdays, often making everyone feel special by providing them with a tailored cake according to their specific desires. If you had a birthday, everyone eagerly anticipated her call to place an order for their cake. The word of God tells us that what we do for Christ is what will last. Barbara was a cherished member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church until her health declined, where she often volunteered her time and wisdom. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and acceptance for family and friends, where everyone was welcomed with a listening ear and a warm embrace.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Odell James, with whom she spent 13 years before his death in 1967, and her husband, Tommie Lee, whom she married in 1971, who also preceded her in death in 2007. Barbara was also preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn Lester; her brothers, Robert Byron, Raymond Byron, Douglas Cheatam, Ronald Paul, Sydney Lester, and Lamar Powell; and her grandsons, Kenyon Taylor and Donnie Hill Jr.
She is survived by her brother, Dewayne (Melinda) Powell, her children; Kevin James (preceded Para Lee), Kim Taylor; Karla (Donnie) Hill, Kyle (Tracy) Lee, Sederwick (Tina) Lee, Tommie (Peggy) Lee Jr., Tyree (Joyce) Evans, her grandchildren; Keith (Sharita) Taylor, Kenneth Taylor Jr., Kerry Taylor, Kyle Taylor, Kecia (Darren) Blakely, Kasondra Hill; Odell James, Bonita (Maurice) Williams, Kristopher Lee, Keshawn Lee.
Also mourning her passing are her great and great-great grandchildren, along with her other devoted family, friends, and all of whom will miss her presence dearly.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your support and kindly requests that you share this memorial with anyone who was touched by Mrs. Lee’s life.
11/17/2025 djb
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