- Date Of Birth: August 31, 1921
- Date Of Death: January 18, 2022
- State: North Carolina
Mary Ella Lea was born August 31, 1921, in Blanch, NC, to the late Anderson Lee and Rosa Belle Richmond Lee. She was joined in union to the late David Sarton Lea on May 2, 1948. Our Matriarch departed this life on January 18, 2022, @ Doctors Community Hospital in Maryland. She took a hold to the hand of Jesus in a very peaceful manner and did not suffer at all. She felt very blessed in her life, and we consider ourselves blessed to have her in ours and celebrated her 100th birthday with her.
Mary was the epitome of the meaning of “A Mother Hen,” her children and her grandchildren meant everything to her. Her husband departed this life, 1 day before her birthday on August 30, 1967, therefore for years she was always incredibly sad on her birthday and celebrating was not in her heart. As years passed on her family made sure her birthdays had an Epic impact on her. By the time of her final celebration the family had grown 6 generations strong. She doted on her family by always complimenting and uplifting them, they all meant so much to her. She was dearly loved by a numerous amount of family, friends, and peers and in return she loved so many while still making several friends along the way. Mary had a heart that had space in it to always add more even when most would think, “Don’t we already have enough?” she always made room at her table for one more on any given day.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory 8 children, Helen Thomas of Baltimore, MD, Rosetta Watkins of Landover, MD, Robert Lea (Gloria) of Milton NC, Paul Lea (Shaunell) of Danville, VA, Tommy Lea (Sharon) of Brown Summit NC, Kevin Lea (Beverly) of Danville, VA, Sheila Kirby of Dry Fork, VA & Angela Cunningham (Henry) of Laurel MD. Two sons-n-law Felix Jeffers and James Jeffers, Two daughter-n-laws Loretta Lea Graves and Barbara Lea Price. She has over 300 surviving Very Special grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and great great great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was also proceeded in death by 13 children: John W. Lea, Inez Lea, Monroe G. Lea, Argusta Farmer, David Lea Jr., James Stanley Lea, Millie Ann Hamlett, Priscilla Thompson, Fannie Jeffers, Cynthia Mae Lea, Maria Jeffers, Ester Bridges and Nancy Chopra Mack.
