MARY LEE

Mary Lee, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of God, was born on December 25, 1960, in ‘Ewa Beach, Hawai‘i, and entered her eternal rest on Monday, October 20, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, and unwavering love.

Mary was the devoted wife of Earl Lee Sr., with whom she shared a beautiful union beginning on September 10, 1982. She was the proud and devoted mother of Jennifer Cox, Delilah Ellis (Brandon), Earl “Leo” Lee Jr., and Sadé McIntyre (Christopher). Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren—Brodan W. Ware (Gisselle), Shiriah Mitchell, Aaliyah Ellis, Geordon Mitchell, Jendae Mitchell, Zechariah Ellis, Zendaeya Mitchell, Copeland McIntyre, Zipporah Ellis, Sailor McIntyre, and Nehemiah Ellis—and her precious great-grandchild, Khelani Ware.

To her family, Mary was the heartbeat of the home—the one who held everyone together, the strength they depended on, and the protector who covered them with fierce loyalty and unconditional love. She poured her life into her children and grandchildren, nurturing their gifts, strengthening their faith, and ensuring that if they learned nothing else, they would know Jesus.

In 1996, Mary and her family joined The Potter’s House Church, where she served faithfully for many years. She joyfully prepared the Pastor’s Breakfast in the King’s Table and later served in the Golden Vessels Ministry alongside her daughter Sadé. Her spiritual gifts were evident in the way she loved, encouraged, and gave—always guided by the Holy Spirit and always for the glory of God.

Mary was a giver in every sense of the word. Affectionately known as “The Donut Lady,” she blessed countless people with donuts, cakes, and home-cooked meals shared with ministries, volunteers, workers, and anyone God placed on her heart. She fed security teams, parking attendants, first responders, and church and community members—not for recognition, but purely out of love. Generosity was her lifestyle.

In the early 2000s, Mary and her sister Betty brought their passion for cooking to life with the launch of Island Ladies Catering business. Their menu, featuring beloved dishes like lumpias (also known as “egg rolls”), wontons, and fried rice, quickly became community favorites that remain fondly remembered to this day.

Throughout her years in Texas, Mary worked in roles that kept her connected to people, including at AAFES, in retail, at a local cleaners in Grand Prairie, and in several donut shops, where entire communities came to love her. Her warmth, humor, and caring spirit left a lasting mark everywhere she went. Her husband’s friends affectionately called her “one of the fellas,” a testament to her easygoing nature and ability to make everyone feel at home.

Mary embraced life with passion. She loved music—reggae, gospel, Spanish, and old school—and found joy in laughter, dancing, and celebration. She enjoyed traveling and cruising, collecting memories as vibrant as her spirit. Known for her impeccable style, she loved her hats, sunglasses, jewelry, and handbags—and made sure her wallet always matched her purse. Her favorite colors were black and white, and her favorite drinks were alkaline water and Barq’s root beer (gray can only). She delighted in Chicosticks, Symphony and Big Hunk candy bars, and her beloved red velvet cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.

Her home was always open, her presence a place of peace. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel special, truly seen, and deeply loved. She leaves behind a strong and beautiful family—strengthened by her prayers, shaped by her example, and forever covered by her love. Her strength was incomparable, her loyalty unshakable, and her faith unwavering.

Mary lived the words of Proverbs 31:28:

“Her children rise up and call her blessed.”

She often proclaimed joyfully and out loud, “I AM BLESSED!”

As we celebrate her life, we honor a woman whose beauty radiated from within—a wife, mother, grandmother, auntie, sister, and friend who poured out her heart in service, love, and generosity. Her family remains a living testament to her prayers, her example, and her enduring love. Well done good and faithful servant.