Ms. Shirley Jean Lee, 87, a thirteen year resident of the Clary Center in Toccoa, formerly of Lavonia, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Stephens County Hospital.
Born July 30, 1930, in Lavonia, she was the daughter of the late Fred E. and Odis (Shirley) Lee. She graduated from Lavonia High School in 1947, Piedmont College in 1950, and later received a Master's Degree from the University of Georgia. She began her teaching career in Rabun County in 1951. After a year there, she taught in Chattooga County for four years. She returned home to teach at Lavonia High School from 1954 to 1957 and Stephens County High School the following year. Ms. Lee moved to DeKalb County, where she taught at Briar Vista for the next thirty years. She was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Lavonia Lions Club, and the Alpha Delta Kappa organization for female educators. Ms. Lee has been a member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church since July 1939 and was an avid Braves fan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother: W. Freddie Lee and brother-in-law: Herman Ayers.
She is survived by her sister: Margaret Ayers; sister-in-law: Ernestine Lee; nieces: Stephanie Ayers and Christy Bivins; great-nephew: Dustin Bivins; several cousins; and many friends.
The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger and Rev. Mike Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Lavonia City ~ Burgess Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Flowers are optional or memorials may be made to the Lavonia First Baptist Church or the Lavonia Lions Club.
Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.