Ardella McKinney-Lee

Ardella McKinney-Lee, daughter of the late Leon McMillan and Bessie McKinney was born February 4, 1941, in Mt. Olive, North Carolina. She departed this life on October 27, 2022.

Born and raised in Mt. Olive, “Della” as she was known, was very active in George Washington Carver school system.  She played women’s basketball, was a majorette, homecoming queen, and was voted most popular by her senior class.

One of Della’s favorite things was “fixing hair”, and both family and friends counted on her expertise to look pretty for dances on Saturday night or church on Sunday.  After high school graduation, she pursued her passion and obtained her cosmetology license in 1960, which she kept current and active until its expiration in October 2022.

She married her high school sweetheart Walter Lee and together they began to build a family in Washington D.C.  They both retired their respective careers in 2000 and 2001 after raising three children for nearly twenty years. They enjoyed their retirement by going shopping, traveling statewide, and enjoying music.

She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Lee. Left to cherish her memories are two sons, Travis and Martin; daughter, Stacey; sister, Antonia Southerland; two grandchildren and a host of friends.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, November 19, 2022, in Whiting's Funeral Home. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Facial coverings are required.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ardella McKinney-Lee, please visit our floral store.