Mildred Helen Lee passed away peacefully in her residence at Lewisville Estates in Texas on May 19, 2022, at the age of 96. She was born on April 17, 1926 in Bonne Terre, Missouri. Mildred was the only child of Ollie Clinton Reeder and Edith McGahan Reeder, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her beloved high school sweetheart and devoted husband of 59 years, Robert Lee.
Mildred was an active member of the local community until 2015, when she moved to Texas to be with two of her children, her grandchild, and four great grandchildren. She is survived by four children: David (Fran) Lee of Pinehurst, North Carolina; Carol (John) Watilo of Lewisville, Texas, Donald Lee of Lewisville, Texas, and Bill (Mary Ellen) Lee of Nueva Gorgona, Panama. Also surviving are grandchildren Brant (Rebecca) Mullen of Euless, Texas, Connor Lee of Atlanta, Georgia, Dakota (Tariq) Getrouw of Sanford, North Carolina, and great grandchildren Abbie Mullen, Ellie Mullen, Kaylee Mullen, and Emmie Mullen. Also surviving is one sister-in-law, Carole Lee of Tyler, Texas and one former sister-in-law, Dorothy Lee Johnston of Bonne Terre, Missouri. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and even great-great nieces and nephews as well as numerous cousins, all of whom she loved dearly.
Mildred grew up in Flat River, Missouri, graduating from Flat River High School, Flat River Junior College, and Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Later, after returning to school, she received her certificate in education and began a 25-year career teaching elementary classroom in the Central Independent School District
Mildred was a proud and active member of the Taylor Avenue Methodist Church (now First United Methodist Church) where she taught Sunday School, served on the Board of Directors, and regularly sang in the choir. Other organizations included Beta Sigma Phi, MSTA, United Methodist Women, Retired Teachers of America, and Monday Book Club. She also served on the Board of Directors at Bonne Terre Hospital. She was so pleased when the city naming committee chose her suggested name “Park Hills” when Flat River, Esther, Elvins, and Rivermines combined.
Mildred loved her life with her family, relatives, and close friends, with whom she shared a passion for the out-of-doors. Although she always had a deep passion for fun, the motto she instilled in her children and students was, “work before pleasure” – a motto that still rings true for her children and their families.
Mildred lived her life as a devoted wife, a committed mother, a treasured and cherished grandmother and great grandmother, a passionate teacher, a respected community and church leader, and a dear friend to many. Her personal impact on all who knew her will be felt for years to come.
Visitation begins at 9:00am at the First United Methodist Church of Park Hills on Saturday, May 28th, followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:00am, officiated by Reverend Eddie Bone. Interment will then proceed at Parkview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of CZ Boyer Funeral Home in Desloge, Mo.
Donations in honor and memory of Mildred Lee can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Park Hills at P.O. Box 505, Park Hills, MO 63601.
View obituary and share condolences online at www.www.czboyer.com
What a gem…I grew up in the church she attended and also the school. She was always so kind and sweet. What a wonderful life she had. May she now Rest In peace. Many prayers to the family and friends
RIP sweet Mildred. So many of our relatives had gone on before you and rejoiced when you came to your heavenly home. Such a life well lived. So glad I could call her Cousin. I remember when my mother (Ruth Robinson ) passed, she got a taxi to come after her n came to the funeral home… it was too Icy for her to drive. Thoughts for her children and families as you go thru this time. Kaye Robinson Mahurin.
My sincerest condolences for the passing of Mildred.
She was a wonderful woman and always so nice.
Missy Sherrill
We are so sorry for your loss! Prayers to all! 🙏🙏
I was in the Monday Book Club with Mildred.. The club missed her after she moved. She was a very intelligent lady who loved to discuss books. She gave detailed book reviews and was a lovely hostess. I am sorry for your loss.