Leona Mae Luckett Lee

Leona Mae Luckett Lee, formerly of Marion County, went to her heavenly home on December 5, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Lexington. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faith, devotion, and love for her family and community.

Born on July 23, 1933, in Lebanon, Kentucky, Leona was the daughter of the late Clifton and Rebecca Luckett. She and her late husband, Joseph Howard Lee, were married for 64 years and worked side by side on the family farm, where Leona was her husband's indispensable partner in every sense. The two shared not only the work of farm life but also a deep love of dancing-a joy they carried with them through the years, spending many Saturday nights together on the dance floor until Howard's passing on December 20, 2015.

In her younger years, Leona dreamed of becoming a nurse-a calling she fulfilled in her own way by lovingly caring for countless family members and friends throughout her life.

Leona was a lifelong member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Calvary, Kentucky. Her faith was central to her life, and in later years, she attended daily Mass. A dedicated parishioner, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Parish Council member, and found great joy in spending Mondays with the Calvary Quilters.

Her commitment extended well beyond her parish. Leona was active in the Marion County Farm Bureau, the Calvary Homemakers, and the Marion County Extension Service. In 1984, she was honored with the Master Farm Homemaker Award, presented by Kentucky State Representative William H. Natcher-a recognition of her leadership, hard work, and service to her community.

Above all, Leona's life was defined by her deep love for her family. She was her children's greatest cheerleader and a constant source of strength and encouragement. Family meant everything to her, and she took great pride in organizing gatherings that kept loved ones connected.

Leona's creativity and skill shone through in everything she did. She loved sewing, quilting and anything craft related. She enjoyed making her children's clothes when they were young-and many late nights were spent stitching doll clothes after they went to bed.

Her kindness was legendary, and she formed a vast array of friendships throughout her lifetime. Leona's love for family and unwavering faith will be remembered by all of those who knew her.

Leona is survived by her seven devoted children, Nadine Thompson (Bob) of Louisville, Sandra Rice (Larry) of Nicholasville, Shirley Sanchez (Jon) of Lexington, David Lee (Kim) of Denver, North Carolina, Ellen Shackleford (Ken) of Lexington, Ann Mattingly (Wayne) of Versailles, and Perry Lee (Renee) of Elk Horn, Kentucky.

She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 6 bonus grandchildren, as well as 12 great-grandchildren and 9 bonus great-grandchildren. Leona is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Myrtle Fisher and Janis Ambs, and her brother, Jerry Luckett.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Howard Lee; her parents, Clifton and Rebecca Luckett; and her brothers, Bernard, Lawrence, and Randall.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday December 10,2025 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday December 9th from 4:30-8:00 at Bosley Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. officiated by Deacon Joseph R. Dant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church cemetery fund, 235 S. Spalding Avenue, Lebanon, KY 40033.

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