Essie Mae Lee

Essie Mae Lee, age 80, of Modena, PA departed this life on Monday, February 23, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Essie was born in Dorchester, South Carolina on May 6, 1945. She attended Dorchester County public schools and continued her education at Voorhees College. Following college, Essie settled in Coatesville, PA, with her cousin Polly before marrying her late husband, “Gus”.

For 40 years, Essie served as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant at the Veterans Administration. Her career was a testament to her patience and her heart for service.

Essie’s faith was the foundation upon which she built her life. She was a lifelong, faithful member of the Historic Hutchinson Memorial U.A.M.E Church.

Essie enjoyed spending time with her family, reading the newspaper, and doing puzzles. She also liked watching Family Feud, Chrisley Knows Best, and listening to Mahalia Jackson. Essie was an avid baker known for her legendary pound cakes. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, she would spend hours in her yard planting flowers and tending to her vegetable garden.

Essie was a devoted parent and a guiding light to many. She leaves to cherish her memory:

•Daughters: Juanita Lee Thomas (Anthony) of Philadelphia, PA, and Serena Lee Gage (Thomas) of Raleigh, NC.

•Honorary Daughters: Susan Lee, Patricia Hinnant (Wayne), Lisa Lee Bennett (Roy), and Gilda Lee.

•Honorary Sons: Omar Hunt, Dwain Doctor and Anthony Thomas.

•Siblings: Her sisters, Naomi Tucker of Miami, Florida and Elaine Doctor of Ridgeville, South Carolina, and her brother, Raymond Nelson of Dorchester, South Carolina.

•Legacy: A host of beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Essie has been reunited in eternal rest with her husband of 42 years, Walter G. Lee; her parents, Robert and Elvira (Smith) Nelson; her brothers Willie Nelson, Alonzo Smith, Frank Nelson and her beloved dog Sophie.

Homegoing Services will be held at 11 AM, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Hutchinson Memorial U.A.M.E. Church, 825 E. Chestnut Street, Coatesville, PA. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.

Interment will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pennsylvania.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page.