Hazel Lee

Hazel Branch Lee, 97, a resident of Prattville, AL, died on Thursday, November 21, 2021. Born on June 23, 1927 in Chapel Hill, NC, Hazel grew up in Durham, NC as the eldest daughter of Levitt Graham and Oneta Weaver Branch. She married the love of her life, Bob Lee in 1950, and traveled with her him, a forester, to Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Georgia and finally, Prattville, where she created a home for her family and made many friends over the years. As her two children grew older, she enjoyed spending time with friends in the Socia and Estudie clubs, refinishing furniture, sewing, quilting, gardening, painting, collecting local art and “antiquing!” She was an original, active member of the Autauga County Heritage Association. Most importantly, she was “Mimi” to her family, who regarded her as the glue that held everyone together with her love and care. She left an indelible mark on everyone she touched, including more recently her caregivers who devotedly looked after her over the last seven years.

She is survived by her loving family, son, Tom Lee and daughter-in-law Linda Printy Lee of Wetumpka; sister Nita Branch Murray of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren, R. Anthony Asti of Prattville, Adriana Nikole Asti of Converse, TX, John Salzman, Jr. of Vilas, NJ, and Kelly Salzman; great grandchildren, Kayla Tatum of Independence, MO, Christian Asti of Converse, TX, Lydia Asti of Newark, DE, John Salzman, III of Camden, DE, Aurora Doyle of Prattville, and Gavin Doyle of Prattville; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She is predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Robert E. (Bob) Lee, III; daughter, Catherine L. Asti; her parents; and sister, Peggy Terrell.

A visitation will be held at 12 noon and funeral at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Ridout’s Chapel in Prattville, with graveside service following at Oak Hill Cemetery in Prattville. The family would like to express a very special thank-you to Pat Wilson, as well as Teressa Goodson and Patricia Goodson, for their love and devotion in caring for “Mrs. Lee, their lady.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prattville First Methodist Church, 100 E 4th St, Prattville, AL 36067.