Vernita Ray Lee

Vernita Ray Lee, known to some as “Nita”, was born February 29, 1924 in Lancaster, Kentucky to the late Harrison and Maggie Ray. At seventeen years old, she moved to Columbus, OH to live with her late brother Bill. She later met her late husband Alfred Lee, and were wed on Valentine’s Day 1946. Shortly after their union they had two children, Diana and Robert Lee. Vernita was a devoted homemaker until her children reached high school and she began her career at Sears Roebuck and Company until retiring in 1984. She spent her retirement years enjoying gardening, visiting friends, spending time with family, playing numbers and bingo, and watching sports. On any Sunday afternoon you would find her cooking dinner for a small family gathering and sending plates to neighbors. She also volunteered as a foster grandparent for daycare centers for several years, spent numerous summers working at the Ohio State Fair, and worked the polls at election time well into her 80s. On April 17, 2014 at 90 years old, she passed at her residence of 67 years surrounded by her children. She is preceded by her husband of 24 years, Alfred E. Lee. Also preceded by brothers and sisters John Ray, William Ray, Burnam Ray, Nobel Ray, Hazel Beasley, Mary Ingram, Lourilla Hughes, Helena Love, and Rebecca Stewart. Survived by daughter Diana Lee, son Robert E. (Jacqueline)Lee, grandson, Troy (Keysha) Hancock; granddaughter Michelle Drummonds, great-granddaughters Layla and Michaela Drummonds, Tia and Amira Hancock, sister Evelyn Allman, brother-in-law Booker Love, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She will be missed, but never forgotten.