Dorothy Lee was born on March 2, 1930 in Wells, Texas, the daughter of Authur and Ruthie McKinnon Wesley.  She was raised in East Texas where she learned valuable lessons and life skills from hardworking family members.  Dorothy lost her parents at an early age, therefore, had extended family that raised her and loved her throughout her life.  She learned to be an independent and loving lady who always put family first.  Her time as a child was spent in the cotton field and surrounded by those whom she loved.  She learned to sew, quilt, and cook.  Her skills at all of these only advanced with time.  She loved to cook and was best known for her chocolate pie (of which she never shared her secrets) and her old fashioned tea cakes and syrup cookies.  She married a fine gentleman, F.G. Lee and the two made wonderful memories together until his passing in 1982.  They raised their children with the same great values that she was taught.  Dorothy honed in on her sewing skills when she became a mother, as she made beautiful clothes for all her children and grandchildren.  The kids’ favorite memories of their Mamma include playing “Red Rover Ball” and watching their mamma jump rope, along with playing other childhood games.  She had a great passion for dancing and country music.  She was dancing up until her last days here, as she two-stepped with her grandsons as often as she was able. She was a very devoted, kind, and loving lady and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.    

 

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Ellis W. Lee of Lufkin and Royce Lee of Shelbyville; daughters, Barbara Hill of Huntington and Virginia Davis & husband, Richard of Shelbyville; 11 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren; and a host of other family members and loving friends.  

She is preceded in death by her husband, F.G. Lee; parents, Authur and Ruthie McKinnon; son, Joe Lee; brothers, Shirley Wesley, James Wesley, and Charles Wesley; grandchildren, Jonathan Luce, Damon Scott Luce, and Jonathan James Morales.

 

Pallbearers will be Ellis Lee, Royce Lee, Michael “Mike” Reese, Steven Winski, Jim Sumrall, and Nunley “Bubba” Russell.

 

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.