Lillian Whiting Lee

At 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022, Lillian Whiting Lee peacefully gained her heavenly wings.  Her life began on December 29, 1934, the youngest of four children born to the late George Andrew Whiting Sr. and Mamie Belcher Whiting Cooke in Barhamsville, Virginia.

Early in life, she confessed her faith in God and joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Barhamsville, Virginia. She was an active and faithful member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, serving on the Trustee Board and the Usher Board for many years. Her dedication and devotion to Mt. Olive Baptist Church were unwavering, and Homecoming, held on the second Sunday in August was absolutely her favorite time of the year. She was famously known for making and bringing her homemade yeast rolls to the event.

Lillian was a proud 1951 graduate of George Washington Watkins School in Quinton, Virginia. She also attended the Peninsula Business College in Newport News, Virginia, successfully graduating as Salutatorian on May 18, 1969, while also being a devoted mother and wife. She went on to complete twenty-five years of professional service with the Federal Government as a contract specialist and then worked for the National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg, Virginia until the age of 80; all while volunteering for United Way and American Red Cross for 15+ years. 

Lillian was a true servant of God and was wholeheartedly dedicated to the welfare and happiness of her family. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she had a guiding vision for her family that placed God at the center and stressed the importance of education as an integral tool for success. Her children and grandchildren remember her as always present; never missing a ballet recital, baseball game, soccer game, track meets, swimming competition, field hockey game, or graduation exercises.  Her children and grandchildren described her as the living definition of consistency, love, and support. Lillian also had a quick wit and an unrelenting determination that provided her with the strength to conquer any and all of life’s challenges with an impressive amount of grace and joy. She was a loving and compassionate person; always caring for her friends and family. Her favorite meal was a good crab cake and she absolutely loved homemade baked goods; specifically, a very sweet lemon pound cake. Her love of sweets stayed with her until the very end.

Lillian was predeceased by her loving husband of forty-three years, Douglas M. Lee, Sr.; first born son, Douglas M. Lee, Jr.; sister, Norma Fields; and two brothers, George A. Whiting Jr. and James B. Whiting.

Legacies will forever remain in the hearts of her Daughter, Gloria Lee Washington (Lynwood); Son, Darnell Benjamin Lee (Kimberly); Oldest Granddaughter, Dr. Nicole Ra’chele Washington (Vaughn/Fiancé); Oldest Grandsons, Lynwood York Washington, Jr. (Darsey) and Mario Devon Dillard (Bridgette); Granddaughters, Jasmine Imani Lee, her beloved caretaker and Jade Illana Lee; Grandson, Omari De’Angelo Monroe Lee; Youngest Grandson, Jordan Isaiah Lee; Great-Grandchildren, Paris Jade Dillard and Jasiri Phillip; Youngest Great-Grandson, Lynwood Kai Washington; daughter-in-law, Synthia Lee; sisters-in-law, Redell King, Betty Martin, Linda Badger, Rebecca Crumbley, Deloris Barker, Theresa Lee, and Carolyn Lee; brothers-in-law, Clyde King, Orlando Badger, Elvis Crumbley, Thomas Barker, and Matthew Lee; lifelong friends and classmates, Doris C/heek, Corrine Whiting, and Ercurte Travers; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and neighbors who will greatly miss the one and the only, Lillian Whiting Lee.

~ With all of our love, we humbly submit our loved one to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 Lillian, we thank you from all of our hearts. We will take the torch and carry your legacy forward from here.  ~

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2022, at Williamsburg Community Chapel.  Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service.  Interment to follow in Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery.  Mrs. Lee may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.  Facial coverings are required for all services.

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

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