Euretha Lee

Euretha Lee, daughter of the late Nina Bost Lee Kirkpatrick and the late Andrew Lee, was born June 5, 1935, in Cabarrus County, NC and entered eternal rest on Monday, November 3, 2025.

Euretha, affectionately known to most as "Retha," was a devoted sister, loving mother, cherished aunt, loyal friend, and tireless worker. She was educated in the Cabarrus County School System and proudly graduated from Logan High School with the Class of 1954.

From an early age, Retha developed a strong work ethic while growing up on her grandfather's farm-rising before dawn to tend the land and care for the animals. That same spirit of diligence and commitment would define her life's journey.

A model of perseverance, Retha worked multiple jobs throughout her life to provide her family with better opportunities. She was a top towel inspector for Cannon Mills for more than 30 years and a beloved caretaker for children and families for over 50 years. Her compassion, patience, and dedication left a lasting mark on everyone she served.

Retha was deeply rooted in her faith. Though she most recently attended Grace Lutheran Church, her spiritual foundation began at Reeve's Chapel AME Zion Church, where she sang in the choir and served faithfully as both a Trustee and Deaconess. When she could not attend services in person, she found solace and inspiration watching Bishop G. E. Patterson's sermons on television.

Outside of her faith and work, Retha found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved watching the news and sports, especially baseball, and was known for her exceptional baking. Her sheet cakes and pies were family favorites, but her legendary creamed corn was a true labor of love, seasoned with care and tradition.

Retha was also a pillar of her community. She served as a Logan Day Care board member for 50 years, was an active member of the NAACP and Democratic Women of Cabarrus County for decades and took great pride in encouraging civic engagement. Whether knocking on doors or making phone calls, she was passionate about empowering others to vote and participate in the democratic process.

Above all, Retha's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, supportive grandmother, and loving great-grandmother. Though she stood just 4 feet 11 inches tall, she was mighty in spirit and strong, and fiercely protective of those she loved. Her wisdom, dedication, and "straight, no chaser" honesty will be remembered by all who knew her.

Retha was preceded in death by her parents, Nina and Andrew; her first-born son, Reginald D. Lee; her grandson, Jalen R. Lee; sisters Mamie Kirkpatrick Ford, Juanita R. Kirkpatrick, Barbara A. Kirkpatrick, and Willie Estelle Lee Caldwell; and her brother, David C. Kirkpatrick, Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memory two children, Carolyn Lee Koonce and Ryan Lee, both of Concord, NC; three sisters, Mary Williams and Clara Hudson of Concord, NC, and Claudette Miller of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Charles Wesley (Maggie) Kirkpatrick of Concord, NC; eight grandchildren, Courtney D. Lee of the home, Bowanna T. Pharr of Charlotte, NC, Kimberly K. (J. Anthony) Brown of Troutman, NC, Reginald C. Lee of Charlotte, NC, Rashad A. Lee of Kannapolis, NC; Ryan P. Lee II, Alexis L. Lee, and Brenneta R. Pless, all of Concord, NC; and three great-grandchildren, Arianna M. Lee and Jaden E. Lee of Kannapolis, NC, and Reginald J. Lee of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her best friend of more than 60 years, Viola Barrett; a goddaughter, Bonnie Holt, bonus daughter, Debbra (Greg) Allen, a close nephew, Jeremy Kirkpatrick, along with a host of other relatives and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Retha's life was a testament to faith, family, and hard work. Her legacy of love, service, and strength will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2025 at Barber Scotia College in Concord. The visitation will be held from 12:30 P.M. to 1:00 P.M., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Reeve's Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church located at 4955 Hamby Branch Rd. in Concord. Lamb Funeral Home Inc. will be serving the family.