Minnie Mae Lee

MINNIE MAE (BROWN) LEE was born on October 26, 1928 in Romney, West Virginia. She was born to and raised by her father, the late Charles William Brown, a coal miner and her mother, the late Mary Pearl (Jackson) Brown, a homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Bertie Brown, her husband David Albert Lee, Sr., and one grandson David A. Lee, III, who now rests in Arlington National Cemetery. As a little girl, Minnie was raised as an only child, after her sister passed away as a baby. In the very small town of Romney, Minnie stayed close to her mother and learned everything she could from her, including how to cook, a gift she shared with her own family years later. She also enjoyed hunting with her father and was very good at using the rifle he taught her how to use. From her earliest years, Minnie was educated and received her religious belief from the Methodist Church. The God who sustained her in the last days and months of her life was the same God that she loved as a child. As a young woman, she met and fell in love with David, of Barnwell, South Carolina. Their love bond was so strong that they joined together in holy matrimony on May 11, 1946, during a 48 hour military pass for David, who was a Montfort Point United States Marine, the first African-Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps. After his Honorable Discharge from the military, David and Minnie made Baltimore their home and became entrepreneurs with a drycleaning business where she worked until they started a family. Of this beautiful covenant union of 69 years were born four children: David Albert Lee, Jr., Joyce Juanita Hughes, and “the twins” Mary Yvonne Hendricks and Myra Ann Hendricks. Upon the pleasant surprise that “the twins” were born, David immediately left the hospital in search of a better job. God blessed him with a position at Bethlehem Steel Corporation, at Sparrows Point, from where he retired after 31 ½ years. David and Minnie’s life and marriage were a beautiful example of love and commitment to all who met and knew them. In 1986, this faithful couple renewed their covenant vows in celebration of 40 years of marital bliss. In 1996, on their 50th wedding anniversary, a United States flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol Building, they received a letter from the Capitol, and former President Bill Clinton forwarded a White House Greeting Card to them, all in celebration and honor of their union .David and Minnie shared a full life, working to build their drycleaning business, raising a growing family, and serving in ministry together at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ Jesus (Apostolic) in Baltimore, where David served as pastor. As a wife, mother, and pastor’s wife, Minnie stayed busy serving where God planted her and impacting the lives around her with her kindness and warm and welcoming smile. When Minnie’s first grandchild, living in Baltimore, was born, she quit her job to care for her granddaughter (Valerie), while her parents worked. She also cared for two of the neighborhood children during the day, while their parents worked, until the children became of school age. Such a bond was created because of her loving care that one of the mothers and her son, to this day, call her “Mamma Lee” and keep in touch with her. Down through the years, Minnie also cared for several of her other grandchildren while their parents worked. In their latter years, the Lees faithfully attended and served at Mount Zion United Methodist Church. For over twenty-five years, Minnie served as the president of the Maine Avenue Senior Center, a group of Baltimore City seniors who, provided health screenings, activities, crafts, celebrations, and community for every senior who joined or even visited. Their motto was “loving, caring, and sharing,” values that Minnie fully embodied and reflected in everything she did. On June 27, 2012, Minnie had the pleasure of celebrating her husband as he, along with other surviving Montford Point Marines, were honored by receiving the Congressional Gold Medal for their valiant service. Minnie, as David’s devoted wife, also received a long-stemmed red rose. Minnie was the heart of our home and family and will be sorely missed. To her four children, she was affectionately known as “Ma.” They knew they always had a seat at her kitchen table for her insight and a delicious snack or meal to go with it. To her grandchildren, she was known as “Grand mommy,” “Grandma,” and “Gama,” a sweet name that one of her youngest grandsons (Darak) called her from an early age. Her grandchildren were always welcomed with kisses, hugs, and delicious cookies. She kept them all in line and made sure that her granddaughters had a place at the table amid the ravenous appetites of her grandsons. Minnie was blessed with nine great grandsons and one great granddaughter, who all called her Nana and were blessed to have known their sweet great grandmother – a rarity and even more rare – a great- great grandchild. What a beautiful blessing. To continue her legacy and cherish her memory, Minnie leaves one son: David A. Lee, Jr. (Qunitcoe); three daughters: Joyce J. Hughes, Mary Y. Hendricks, and Myra A. Hendricks; seven grandchildren: Valerie Griffin (Rossi), Peter Lee, Michael Hendricks, Jr., David Hendricks, Jr., Angela Elder (Terrance), Darak Hendricks, and LaKia Hendricks; ten great grandchildren; one great- great grandchild, as well as friends and neighbors. A Gentle Journey Home Her earthly journey now complete, A life of grace, both kind and sweet. With gentle hands and heart so true, She walked with faith, and saw it through. Now, weary soul, finds peaceful rest, In God’s embrace, forever blessed. No more the aches, the pains, the strife, Just endless joy, a vibrant life. She leaves behind a legacy, Of love and light, for all to see. Her spirit soars, on wings of grace, A smile of peace upon her face. Though tears may fall, and hearts may ache, We know she’s home, for goodness sake. In God’s sweet arms, she’s safe and sound, Until we meet, on hallowed ground.

Tributes

Minnie Mae Lee

October 26, 1928 - March 18, 2025