Mabel Lee

Mom was with us for 89 years. She never had an enemy. Her number one piece of advice was to “do unto others as you would have done unto you”. And, she honored that throughout her life. For her husband, Charles, of 53 years, they formed a marriage of love and support. They moved to Dunwoody and built a loving home for their children. With Dad working for General Motors and him often traveling, she kept the homestead going. Dad would give her credit for raising the kids. Certainly, that was not totally true, but, a gesture well said on how much he loved Mom and what she did. In every way, she was a General Motors wife being the Southern lady to offer extensions of herself to all the business colleagues they met along the way. They both created a lifetime of friendships and memories including the wonderful opportunity they had to go together to Rome, Italy for a General Motors celebration event. This was huge for them! Tom and I both benefited from the demonstration of their friendships to others and remains a stronghold in each of our lives.

She was a great friend. Through her years of painting, she met many ladies who became close to her and honored her friendship. We were all so proud of her late in life desire to learn to paint and to do so many beautiful pieces of art which stay with us today. She was a friend to neighbors extending gifted treasures and even glasses of iced tea when the heat was too great for a hard-working neighbor. And, there are great memories of Mom walking the neighborhood for the American Red Cross and the Heart Fund. Nobody could say no to her! Mom was also a vocalist. She sang before she married Dad. She was often a solo for Veteran’s and Memorial Days in Cleveland, Ohio. But, it would not be uncommon to hear her beautiful voice at home or in church. You could also enjoy her contagious laugh!

Mom was a mom of generous portions. She arranged Thanksgiving and special Christmases. We never knew a time when presents were not under the tree. She was even concerned it would be a problem if her children did not have an equal number of gifts under the tree. One Christmas we each were given the same record player so she could keep peace in the house! She was always present in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, high school struggles, college woes, and waiting for her children to marry! And, when we both did, there could not have been more love extended to our spouses! They were immediately in her eyes as part of our family because she trusted Tom and I so much.

We watched our Mom bravely start a new life in Maryville, TN following Dad’s death. She lived here 14 years and left her heart in so many places where she will be missed. Her experience in having her own home gave her new freedoms to do what she wanted to do. She had choices, and she knew she was not alone. There were so many laughs and great times in Tennessee to be remembered. When asked what was the best advice your parents gave you. She immediately responded “be true to yourself”. And, yet, one more gesture of love she left for all of us. God Rest, sweet Mom.

If you would like to give a donation in Mabel's honor, please send to Shannondale of Maryville Healthcare

804 Shannondale Way, Maryville, TN 37803.