Doris M Lee

DORIS MAE JOHNSON LEE, was born to Edna (Brown) Johnson and Benjamin Johnson on May 29, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on Sunday, July 14, 2019. She was raised as a young child in Turners Station. Doris was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools and was a graduate of the famed Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, the class of 1949. Doris held various jobs after graduating high school, most notable of which was at the Hecht - May store in downtown Baltimore for a few years. Upon the opening of the Headquarters of the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the Candler Building downtown, she began employment there. When SSA moved its Headquarters to Woodlawn, she worked there for many years until her retirement.

She was a faithful long-time member of Faith Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School there and attended until failing health prevented her. 

Doris and Edward (Boh) Lee, who she dearly loved, married on September 18, 1955 and recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. Their love was evident to anyone in their presence. Their playful banter amused all around them. That union produced Brenda Theresa who became the recipient of all their love and nurturing. Some years later when a crucial family time arose, as in all kinship situations in our particular community, the Lee family welcomed Derek and Kevin Saunders into their household. Doris cared for them as her own sons and loved them as deeply. Derek and Kevin called her household home where they lived to their adulthood.  

Doris maintained many lifetime friendships from her school, work, social, church and community life. Her best friend, Josephine Thorne; her godchildren, Pat Williams and Sharon Thorne; and Lindsey and Louie Williams, her surrogate grandchildren all were central to her life. When her maternal grandparents moved from Baltimore back to Ivor, Virginia, she visited there often. In later years when the Davis-Connor reunions were organized, she loved to attend. She maintained those family ties beyond the visits that she and her family no longer made.

Doris and Boh freely shared their talents and skills with family and friends. You needed a friend to help you move, they were there. You needed a dish, she would make it for you. You needed advice or a sympathetic ear, they could provide that as well.

Most recently, Doris and Boh relocated to North Carolina to be with Kevin in a quiet country-like atmosphere where they received the best comfort and care. Their care was extended by Austin, Marissa and Cheryl Curley. A heartfelt thank you is extended also to Thaleice Carnail who took special care of her as well as Boh.

She leaves to cherish her memory Edward Lee, husband; Marissa and Austin Griffiths, her grandchildren; Kevin Saunders, son; Mrs. Lurl Johnson, Mrs. Doris Adams (Adolphus), sisters-law; Madison, Miles, Kevin and Taja Saunders, grandchildren; Chase and Zoe Evans and Benjamin Saunders, great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by Brenda Griffiths, her daughter; Edna Parker, her mother; Vivan Thomas and Artis Dorsey, her sisters; and Elizabeth brown, her aunt.

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