Shirley (Russell) Lee, (86) of Keyport, NJ was born May 5, 1940 in Matawan, NJ, to the late Helen Anthony Russell and George Russell.
Shirley attended the Matawan, NJ school system where she graduated from high school in 1957. She displayed her joyful spirit while attending school by singing in the chorus and being a cheerleader.
She furthered her education and graduated as a certified Nursing Assistant from the Monmouth County nursing assistant program. Shirley worked and retired from the Holmdel Convalescent Center as a nurse’s aide and Assistant Activity Director. She then worked part time at the Bayshore Adult Daycare Center and The Willows Assisted Living facility. She had such a passion for elderly care. The love and compassion she showed for others was exemplified daily.
She was known for giving tight bear hugs and kisses to everyone she met. Many have called or adopted her as mom, momma Lee and godmom because of her sweet demeanor. She also had special love and affection for all the children in her family. She always shared her treats and goodies with them, except her chocolate cake!
In 1959 she married the love of her life, William Pete Lee, Jr., to this union six children were born.
The family resided at 90 Fulton St. Keyport, NJ, where all their children and some grandchildren were raised. So many memories were made on Fulton street!
Shirley was a strong Woman Of God! She lived a life of Holiness and raised her children in that faith. She stood strong on her beliefs and wouldn’t let anyone sway her elsewhere. Shirley loved to sing praises to the Lord. She had a beautiful, strong and anointed voice! Her favorite songs were: “Just as I am” and “I Won’t Complain.” At times she may have forgotten the exact words to a song so she would add her own words and keep on singing to the Lord!
She was a devoted member of The House Of God Church- Keith Dominion, in Matawan, NJ for more than 50 years. She held many offices throughout the years such as Chairperson to the Deacon Board, Church Secretary, a member of the Trustees Board and numerous other titles and positions. She was a true servant of God.
She was preceded in death by her husband: William Pete Lee Jr., daughter: Leslie Charlene Lee, son: William Rodney Lee, brothers: Robert Russell, William(Billy) Russell, sisters: Ann Russell McCord, and Constance Russell Malinconico.
She leaves to cherish her love and memory daughters: Shelly Baptist (Raymond), Lori Cook (John), both of New Jersey, Shannon Tucker (Earnest) of North Carolina; son: Darrell Lee (Rebekah), of New Jersey; sister Gwendolyn Russell Malinconico of New Jersey; and a special son Horace Jackson of New Jersey; In-Laws: Ernest Lee ( Amelda), Raymond Lee, Joann Lee all of New Jersey and Aaron Lee of Georgia; Grandchildren: Andre Lee (Jocelyn) Tanisha Perry, Jessica Robinson (Terrence), Cassandra Robinson, Kevin Lee (Kayli), Earnest Tucker Jr. (Natali), Sayvond Lawrence (Jaime), Darrah Richardson, Darrell Lee Jr, Stephanie Lee, Kyra Reevey-Lee, Joshua Lee and Desiree Drago (Brian); Twenty-Three great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, church family and special friends.
A special thanks for those at the Venetian Rehabilitation and Healthcare facility who took special care for our mother and all those who have called, sent cards and well wishes.
