Phyllis Gary Lee

LEE, Phyllis Gary, died on February 4, 2024, at her retirement community of Windsor Meade Williamsburg, Virginia. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, on August 24, 1942, the only child of Fred Maxey and Myrtle Cox Gary. She graduated in 1960 from John Marshall High School in Richmond and earned a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Library Science from Madison College in 1964.

A lifelong educator, Phyllis taught in Norfolk, Virginia; Alameda, California; Latham, New York and Peabody, Massachusetts. While in Massachusetts, she completed her MS degree in Moderate Special Education, which she taught at the middle and high school levels. Phyllis valued education and cared deeply for her students. During her many years with the Peabody school system, she reorganized the library of her neighborhood elementary school and helped transition the city's junior high school to a middle school. Phyllis was also a long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Reading, Massachusetts where she served on various committees and sang in the choir.

Upon retiring to Williamsburg, Phyllis enjoyed traveling and volunteering in the community. She worked at FISH food pantry and served as a York County election official and on many committees at Williamsburg United Methodist Church and Windsor Meade. She enjoyed singing in the Sanctuary Choir and in the annual Christmas Messiah. A trip to Belize with David and Michelle was a highlight.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 59 years, David Read Lee; her daughter, Michelle Lee of New York, New York; and her son, Michael Lee; daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and granddaughters, Charlotte and Audrey of Reading Massachusetts.

Visiting hours will be at the Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg on Saturday, February 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 11 at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, with a reception to follow, at the church. The service will also be livestreamed at williamsburgumc.org/worship. Inurnment will be in the church Memorial Garden. Memorial donations may be made to Williamsburg United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.