Alice M. Lee

Alice M. Lee, 81, of Ithaca, departed this life and went home to her Lord on Saturday, December 25th, 2010, surrounded by her loving family. Alice was born April 19, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY. Alice became a Certified Nurses Aid in Brooklyn and devoted her life to helping people. She loved to sew; she sewed clothes for her children. She loved to cook and helped anyone who needed help. Alice had a heart of gold; she touched every life that crossed her path, and lifted a hand wherever possible. When things started getting bad for Alice she kept those around her still laughing and smiling. She lifted our spirits when we were down, cursed anyone out who treated others unfairly; she was joy, patience, love, understanding, beauty, and a woman of God. Alice was predeceased by her grandmother, Rebecca Lee; her parents, Charles and Louise Lee; her first husband, Robert Leckey Sr.; her late husband, Clarence "Dusty" Smith; and four children, Robert "Umar" Leckey Jr., Edgar Leckey, Barbara ("Frenchie") Kelly, and Clarence "Hasimba" Smith Jr. She is survived by two daughters, Maize Lynch of VA and Yenee Smith of NY; two daughters- in-law, Shirley "Chi-Chi" Leckey and Jacquelyn Bailor both of NY; a grandson she raised, Jonathan Smith of NY; and three siblings, Clifford, Robert, and Olivia Campbell, all of NY. She was the proud grandmother of 31 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of relatives and friends who loved her dearly. A celebration of her life will be held at the Herson Funeral Home on Monday, January 3, at 12:00 noon, Rev. Nathaniel Wright of the Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Friends may call from 11 - 12:00 prior to the service. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A gathering of friends and family will follow the burial at Calvary Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.