Mary Lee

Mary Naomi Fuller Lee, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on February 10, 2020. She was born in Portsmouth, VA on July 10, 1937 to the late George and Martha Fuller. Mary married the late James Joseph Lee and lived in Philadelphia, PA before moving to Virginia Beach in 1972.  

She graduated from I. C. Norcom High School in 1955. Following in the footsteps of her grandparents, she entered Hampton Institute where she received a B.S. in English in 1959. She pursued further studies at Temple University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and earned a M.A. in Educational Administration from Old Dominion University in 1980.  Mary was well-read, keenly analytical, and deeply concerned about the welfare of others. She had a marvelous sense of humor, loved jazz, the arts, eating great food, keeping her hair appointments and had a sharp sense of style. 

Mary retired in 2001 from Virginia Beach City Public Schools after 28 years of dedicated service. During her time in Virginia Beach, she served as a reading resource teacher, instructional specialist, central office administrator, and assistant principal. Mary was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the Portsmouth Historical Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, as well as a supporter of a number of education and political organizations.

She is survived by a loving son, James Parker Lee (Jada); three wonderful grandchildren, Nicholas Franklin (Angie), Jessica Paige Lee, Olivia Alexis Lee; two adorable great-grandchildren, Mikey and Ryleigh Franklin; and devoted nephew, Lesley Neal. She is remembered with much love by David Bailey of White Plains, New York; Shirley and Weldon Rougeau of Chicago, Illinois; and Martha and Larry Taylor of Virginia Beach, VA. Other survivors include wonderful nephews, and a host of friends.