Obituary of Grace C Lee

Grace Christine Lee

Grace Christine Lee, born “Gracie Christina” on July 5, 1932 to the late Sarah Parker and Samuel Coles, departed this life peacefully on Sunday, December 31, 2017.

Grace grew up and was educated in the Newport News, VA School system, graduating from Huntington High School in 1950. She moved to New York shortly thereafter where she attended Queens College, worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles, Queens General Hospital and the Social Security Administration from which she retired after 25 years.  During this time, Grace married and raised her four children.

Grace loved to sing and upon arriving in New York, joined Calvary Baptist Church, Jamaica, NY where she sang in the Choir. Later because she wanted to worship with her family, she left Calvary and joined St. Benedict The Moor Roman Catholic Church, where her children received the sacraments and were raised in the Roman Catholic faith.

Grace also enjoyed crocheting, especially for babies.   Each of her grandchildren as well, as neighborhood children had a snowsuit, sweater with booties, hats, and blankets; whatever anyone asked her to make, she made.  Honestly speaking, she may have loved crocheting, as much or more than singing!

Grace was well loved by her family, friends and the children in the Queens, NY community where she lived.  Having many names: Amazing Grace, Ma Grace, Momma Lee, Miss Grace, Auntie Gracie, Gracie, Grandma, Grandma Grace, Momma or just Mommy, everyone knew who you were talking about.

In 1995, following her retirement from the Social Security Administration, Grace returned to Newport News to live and reconnect with her family and many friends. She joined St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Newport News, which she attended faithfully with her nieces and became an active member of the choir.

Grace also reconnected with the 1950 graduating class of Huntington High school, and enjoyed many luncheons, socials and reunions.  In June 2015, Grace attended the 65th High School Reunion of her graduating class in Newport News, VA. 

In 2014, Grace left her beloved Virginia to live with her daughter and son-in-law in New Jersey.  She then joined Christ The King Episcopal Church, and although she did not officially join the choir, (even though encouraged to do so on many occasions), she enthusiastically participated in the music ministry’s special events, high holy days Gospel Choir and annual Christmas concert. Grace was right at home at Christ The King, where she was warmly welcomed and loved by many.

Grace joined the crochet group at Christ The King and on occasion joined the group at the Willingboro Senior Center. Both when Grace moved to New Jersey and when she was no longer able to crochet, she made two major donations of yarn, crochet hooks and patterns to the Willingboro Senior Center to be used by those who were not able to purchase those items for themselves.

Grace was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Donald E.  Coles (Diana) and Joseph A. “Tony” Lee. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters Regina K. Lamptey (Daniel) of Willingboro, NJ, Rosemary “Rose” Coles of Richmond, VA, 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, many friends, her Christ The King Episcopal Church and Huntington High School Families.

Grace will be sorely missed by her many friends and family. However, we know that God “loaned” her to us only for a while and He has now decided it was time for her to come home.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, plants, or cards that a donation be made in the name of Grace C Lee to:

Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice

5 Eves Drive

Suite 300

Marlton, NJ 08053

          or

Christ The King Episcopal Church

40 Charleston Road

Willingboro, NJ 08046