Barbara Jean Lee

Obituary of Barbara Jean Lee

 Barbara Jean Lee (affectionately known as “Gandy”) was born on January 16, 1938 and was the eldest of seven children.  Both her parents and three of her siblings Albert (Danny) Childress, Raymond Turner and Kevin Turner all proceeded her in death.

Barbara grew up in Miles Heights lovingly reared by her mom and dad, Catherine, and Copeland Turner.  She attended the Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from John Adams High School at the age of 16 years old.  Barbara was always in pursuit of academic growth and enrichment and accordingly, she attended classes at Cuyahoga Community College and Fenn College (predecessor to Cleveland State University).  On December 7, 1956 Barbara was united in holy matrimony to Dale Edward Lee.  Four sons were born of that union. 

Barbara accepted Christ at an early age and was a long-time member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church serving as a member of the Choir and Usher Board.  In recent years, she joined Christ Baptist Church uniting with her brother, her sons and other family and long-time friends.   She was an active member of the usher board until her health began to decline.  Barbara was employed by the United States Postal Service for over thirty years.  During her employment with the Postal Service, she advanced to numerous supervisory roles and worked at several stations, and she was also an active member of the Postal Workers Union.  She retired from the postal service in 1997.  Barbara had a zest for life and loved people.  After her retirement she began working part-time at Sams Club for several years.  As she never met a stranger, this was as ideal position for her radiant personality.  Barbara was committed to her faith, her family and her many friends.  Over the years she participated in numerous Bible studies to expand her knowledge, understanding and relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

Some of Barbara’s hobbies included sewing, bowling, skating, bid whist and travel.  She had an avid love for music and had eclectic music tastes from gospel to soul, to pop; some of her favorite artists included – Nancy Wilson, Barbara Streisand and Basia.  Barbara was a friendly, loving, compassionate and generous soul.  She will be sorely missed by all her loved ones, but always remembered with a smile.

After lingering health problems, Barbara departed this life on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her sons Darrell (Vivian), Terry (Carolyn), Edward, and Harlan (Carmalisa) Lee; her siblings, Copeland L. Turner (Jeanette), Matthew O. Turner (Brinda) and Karen Annette Zellers (Robert); her grand-children Mia Lee, Adam Lee, Edward Lee II, Stephanie Lee, Erin Mims, and Royce Robinson; her great-grandchildren Tyrell, Ava, Samara, King Royce, Cameron, Carter, Edward Lee III and Seth.

Also mourning her passing are a host of beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, family, and friends.