Ernestine Stewart Lee, age 82, of Lavonia, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital.

She was born November 3, 1941, in Stephens County, the daughter of the late Ernest G. and Rubye Camp Stewart. She was a graduate of Toccoa High School and the University of Georgia. Mrs. Lee was an accomplished educator at Lavonia Elementary School for more than thirty years. She took great pride in the relationships she formed with her students and enjoyed seeing them grow-up and succeed in life. She was a member of the Lavonia Lions Club and the Lavonia Cemetery Commission. Mrs. Lee was the devoted wife of the late: W. Freddie Lee; and a doting mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was a member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law: Christy & Chris Bivins; grandson: Dustin Bivins; nieces: Stephanie Ayers, Pam Thomason (Al), Janet Horn (Al), Lisa Stewart; and great-nephews: Stewart Thomason, Stanley Thomason, and Spencer Horn. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother: Jo Frank Stewart; and sisters-in-law: Jean Lee and Margaret Ayers.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Lavonia First Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Chitwood and Dr. Larry Finger officiating. A private burial will follow in the Lavonia City – Burgess Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the Lavonia First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 47, Lavonia, GA 30553.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.