Mary Ella (Lee) Lea

Mary Ella Lea was born August 31, 1921, in Blanch, NC, to the late Anderson Lee and Rosa Belle Richmond Lee. She was joined in union to the late David Sarton Lea on May 2, 1948. Our Matriarch departed this life on January 18, 2022, @ Doctors Community Hospital in Maryland. She took a hold to the hand of Jesus in a very peaceful manner and did not suffer at all. She felt very blessed in her life, and we consider ourselves blessed to have her in ours and celebrated her 100th birthday with her. Mary was baptized at River Zion Baptist Church at an early age and there she was a longtime faithful member until she moved away in 1985, she would still visit the church on occasion and offer donations.

Mary was the epitome of the meaning of “A Mother Hen,” her children and her grandchildren meant everything to her. Her husband departed this life, 1 day before her birthday on August 30, 1967, therefore for years she was always incredibly sad on her birthday and celebrating was not in her heart. As years passed on her family made sure her birthdays had an Epic impact on her. By the time of her final celebration the family had grown 6 generations strong. She doted on her family by always complimenting and uplifting them, they all meant so much to her. She was dearly loved by a numerous amount of family, friends, and peers and in return she loved so many while still making several friends along the way. Mary had a heart that had space in it to always add more even when most would think, “Don’t we already have enough?” she always made room at her table for one more on any given day. Her children friends became her children too and they knew they were welcomed and would share in some delightful home cooked meals. She spent her life working hard as a devoted homemaker and loving and strict mother to 21 children. When her loved one/friend/helpmate was no longer physically there, she was by no means weak, her strength will live on through us all. There were times when she was offered helped by her older children to assist along the way, but she didn’t miss a beat on what was needed for her family.  Her oldest son at home during that time Robert gave up some of his youth to work and stay home instead of starting his own journey with a family of his own. When all her children were finally grown in 1984, that didn’t stop her, her next priority became her grandchildren until her health started to fail her and she had to move away from the only place she knew as her home to better increase her chances of being treated by better physicians.  Mary spent her final years living with her daughter/caretaker Rosetta L. Watkins, they did road trips constantly and stayed on the move. They weren’t just Mother & Daughter they became best girlfriends, visiting and spending time with her children and taking care of her grandbabies created special memories for us all.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory 8 children, Helen Thomas of Baltimore, MD, Rosetta Watkins of Landover, MD, Robert Lea (Gloria) of Milton NC, Paul Lea (Shaunell) of Danville, VA, Tommy Lea (Sharon) of Brown Summit NC, Kevin Lea (Beverly) of Danville, VA, Sheila Kirby of Dry Fork, VA & Angela Cunningham (Henry) of Laurel MD. Two sons-n-law Felix Jeffers and James Jeffers, Two daughter-n-laws Loretta Lea Graves and Barbara Lea Price. She has over 300 surviving Very Special grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and great great great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

She was also proceeded in death by 13 children: John W. Lea, Inez Lea, Monroe G. Lea, Argusta Farmer, David Lea Jr., James Stanley Lea, Millie Ann Hamlett, Priscilla Thompson, Fannie Jeffers, Cynthia Mae Lea, Maria Jeffers, Ester Bridges and Nancy Chopra Mack. 

*Mask are required for viewing both at Sharpe Funeral Home and at River Zion Baptist Church.
*Due to the size of the Lea Family the funeral services will be private for immediate family only.  Any non-immediate family members should contact Mrs. Lea's Children for instructions.

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