Brazil Lee

I Peter 5:7 …casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you.

Just after Brazil - surrounded by loved ones - passed from Earth to Glory, God set a huge and sparkling rainbow in the early morning Columbus sky. Brazil Morningstar Lee (born Cheryl Annette Lee), was the seventh and youngest child of Bishop John W. Lee Jr. and Virgie Lynn Lee. At age six she was baptized in Jesus’ name by her father, at The Lord Jesus Christ Church. Later in life, while walking in the forest communing with the Lord, she received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

Brazil loved nature and all of God’s creations. Artistic, creative, and deeply spiritual, her special connection to animals blossomed in every aspect of her life. Her love for dogs perhaps began when Wolf, her first canine, escorted her to and from elementary school. Always active, energetic, and talented, she started cheerleading at Starling Junior High School, where she also performed in various plays and musicals. She continued acting in high school, where she played five instruments in the school band, danced as a majorette captain, and had a lovely soprano voice. This combination later made her a triple threat in the theater world.

Brazil graduated from Central High School in 1982. She went on to attend The Ohio State University, where she studied Veterinary Medicine, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Photography, and Journalism. Her diverse studies led to an eclectic and impressive career, and a life full of highly skilled, civic engagement.

As a photographer, Brazil began as an understudy to her cousin Sam Tyus, and blossomed into a master of portrait and wildlife photography. She owned two businesses, Morningstar Creations (a photography and stationary printing enterprise) and Ascari K9s (a dog training company).

Always passionate about justice for both animals and people, Brazil gave her life and career to service. She taught young people in urban communities classical and modern dance and ran numerous programs to empower our community members - including training women in self-defense, street survival, and anti-human trafficking. Most recently, Brazil was a founding member of the Birds of Prey and Wildlife Society in the state of Ohio, where she was an Eagle Ambassador.

Brazil worked with animals throughout her life including managing dog kennels, training whales at the San Diego Zoo, and working in Hollywood as a pet groomer for celebrities. Her athleticism and love for dance also led to fascinating career opportunities. Brazil was a proficient instructor and student of martial arts. She was a fifth-degree black belt Master in Combat Chin Jitsu, a 1st-degree black belt in A.J. Henshaw Street Survival Tactics, and a fourth-degree black belt Master in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, of Grandmaster Lewis Gray’s Tang Moo Soo. She also danced classical ballet and was both featured in and choreographed several productions.

In 1994, the love of her life was a dog named Masada (a Fila Brasileiro), who introduced Brazil to Lewis Gray, her dog trainer. Lewis remains in Brazil’s life to this very day as her loving and devoted partner, along with his daughters Rachel Marshall, Jasmine Ayres, three grandchildren, and nephew Stephen Gray. Brazil was preceded in death by her parents, John and Virgie Lynn Lee, and her oldest brother Herndon Lee. She is survived by a large and loving family, including three sisters: Priscilla Lee Roach (Allen), Valorie Gunther (Stan), and Marilyn Craig (Donald); two brothers Carl Lee (Maria) and Marcus Lee (Pati, deceased), as well as one uncle, Paul Lee, three aunts Mary Ruth Spearman, Dorothy Tartt, and Gloria Stewart, stepmother, M. Louise Lee, and five cats (Czar, Smokey Boots, Sasha, Pandora, and Crybaby). Brazil also leaves a part of her spirit with her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, whose lives she is known for helping to guide with special intentionality, insight, and wisdom cherished by all. As well as a host of cousins, and special friends - Fran Figueroas, Brenda Lee, Deborah Lee, Tony Frank Cody, Nate Easley, and so many others whose lives she touched.

We invite all who cherish Brazil, to join us in a ceremony of remembrance at City of Grace (3350 Allegheny Ave Columbus, OH 43209) on Saturday 7-27-24, where we will share stories, laughter, and tears just as Brazil would have wished.

The viewing will be from 10-11AM and the ceremony will begin at 11AM. If you wish to donate to a cause that is near and dear to Brazil’s heart, please consider supporting Birds of Prey and Wildlife Society. Payable to: Lori Montella, PO Box 22, Columbus OH 43216.

To leave a message of condolence please visit our Tributes Page.