Alfred E. Lee

Alfred Evans Lee was born on October 24, 1945, at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, to the late Adalie and George Lee. In 1955, he gave his life to Christ and was baptized at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under Reverend John J. McCree, where he served faithfully in Sunday School and as Junior

Superintendent. Alfred was also an active member of the Young People's Assembly of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, learning early what it meant to serve, lead, and stand firm in faith.

In 1964, Alfred graduated from Clearview Regional High School and moved to Pitman, New Jersey, while attending Glassboro State College. In 1969, he began a distinguished career in education at Carusi/Brainerd Middle School in the Cherry Hill Public Schools. That same year, he was drafted into the United States Army, trained in the Korean language in Washington, D.C., and served as a Korean Interrogator - a role that reflected his intellect, patience, and steady composure. When he returned home, he resumed teaching in Cherry Hill, where he continued until retiring from Cherry Hill High School West in 2007.

"Mr. Lee" was not simply a math teacher, he was a Teacher's, Teacher. His classes were known for clarity, rigor, and warmth. He made math come alive. Many would say he was among the best math teachers in the region, a reputation affirmed by his recognition in Who's Who of America's Teachers. As International Middle Years Program Coordinator and advisor to both the Asian Culture Club and African American Culture Club at Cherry Hill High School West, he believed education was as much about identity, understanding, and character as it was about numbers.

At the very center of Alfred's life stood St. Paul's Baptist Church of Clayton, New Jersey, his spiritual home, his second family, and the place where his faith found its fullest expression. He did not attend St. Paul's; he belonged to it. As a Pastor's Deacon and steadfast member of the Deacon Board, Deacon Lee led St. Paul's with wisdom, humility, and unwaverig integrity. He understood church culture not as tradition alone, but as covenant, accountability, and above all, care for God's people. His service was visible throughout the life of the church, as a faithful member, and leader of the Missionary Board, servant in Pastor's Aid, past member of the Kitchen Committee (where his juices and sweeeet tea's were legendary), and joyful singer in the Men's and Senior Choir, who could move from Tenor to Bass in a beat.

On July 14, 1973, Alfred married the love of his life, Andrea Mary (Combs) Lee. Their union was rooted in faith, friendship, and deep devotion. They served together, sang together, worshipped, and traveled together. Sharing a life that served as an example to many. From this union, their daughter, Alandrea Christina Lee-Diggs, was born. Whom he loved, counseled, and protected from the moment she was born. Alfred was a doting grandfather to his "little bestie," Imoni-Christina Simone, and ever protective of Damon Diggs, not as a son-in-law, but as an "In-Love", believing that family is bound by love, not just blood. To family, and extended family, Alfred was a steady guide, confidant, and mentor.

Deacon Lee has served as a devoted Superintendent of Sunday School, National Baptist Deacon's Convention Teacher, and beloved Sunday School and Bible Teacher, making the Word of God plain, practical, and alive for all who sat under his teaching. During the pandemic, Alfred founded and faithfully led St. Paul's Prayer Line, creating a spiritual lifeline that connected believers not only in New Jersey but across Philadelphia, California, Georgia, and even to Ghana, Africa.

He taught, prayed, and encouraged until the very end. Beyond St. Paul's, Alfred's influence extended through the Bethany Baptist Association, South Jersey Deacons Union, the National Baptist Deacons Convention, the Laymen's Ministry, VISCOP for the Blind, The Gideons, and Bridgeton's Adult Education System; each reflected his lifelong commitment to teaching, scripture, and service. His faith was not theoretical; it was lived daily. In every season, Deacon Lee carried his defining declaration: "I will NOT complain!" Through three battles with cancer, Lymphoma, Prostate, and Bone, he never wore his pain publicly.

Alfred's presence filled every room: with his voice, in prayer, in laughter, in teaching, or in song. He loved music ministry, especially during Christmas, teaching the congregation new songs with humor and grace, and was known for beginning many a Math class by singing, "Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This." He was deeply principled, warm, humorous, and relational. His daily travels carried him to ShopRite and The Pitman Wawa. For him, Wawa was more than a convenience store; it was his daily gathering place, his "Cheers," where everyone knew him and greeted him by name. In the kitchen, he was legendary. Al's Chicken out-fried Kentucky and Popeye's. His southern soul food was cooked with love, patience, and generosity, and many were blessed at his table.

From Wawa in Pitman, classrooms across the country, to the sanctuary of St. Paul's, Alfred's life was a moving ministry. He was a pillar not only in his church but throughout the Christian community. Deacon Lee was respected, trusted, and deeply loved. But above all, Alfred Evans Lee was a faithful husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, beloved uncle, the best godfather, an exemplary educator, and a steadfast servant of God. His legacy lives in his child, grandchild, every student he taught, every prayer he prayed, every life he touched, and every meal he lovingly placed on a table.

Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit remains in the lessons he taught, the songs he sang, the prayers he lifted, and the lives he shaped. He is loved. He is missed.

And his witness will never be forgotten.

Alfred leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Andrea; daughter Alandrea Lee-Diggs, son-in-love Damon Diggs, granddaughters: Imoni-Christina Simone (Lil Bestie), and Dymon Diggs, siblings: George Lee (Colleen), Rose Scott, Augustus Lee (Ruth), in-loves: Roxanne Combs, Arvester Hughes, Corrine Hughes, Marlene Shahid; and a host of God-children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

Alfred is predeceased by: his parents George and Adalie Lee and his dear sister, Delores.

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