LaFaye was a native Houstonian and Texan. She was born into a loving family with two caring and supportive parents James Albert and Earnestine Johnson both of whom have preceded her in death. She was the fifth child of fifteen siblings, (ten girls and five boys) who she loved with all her being – Frank, Clarence, Betty, Jimmie, Vee, James Jr., Loraine, Gwen, Rose, Celestine, Ken, Charlene, Kevin, and Theresa. She started her childhood in an all Black community called Lily White – North Post Oak at Westview. From 5th grade on, Carverdale Community and school provided a strong educational foundation for her and her siblings.
God blessed her with three of the most precious children on the planet; Christie, Courtney (C.J.) and stepson, John Jr. She was married to Jesse Shepard and later to John Clayton Lee, Sr. who has preceded her in death.
LaFaye was grateful for her five little angels who had infused her life with wonder and brought joy and laughter to her being. God's richest blessings have been reflected through her grandchildren who allowed her to see the world through their innocent eyes – Daramy, John III, Courin, Alyssa, and Courtney Jr. ~ LaFaye loved them beyond measure.
Education was always the center of her life. LaFaye was the valedictorian of her Carverdale high school class of 1968 and the recipient of the Jesse Jones and Mary Gibbs Jones Scholarship. She earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Master's in Counselor Education and Administrative Certification from Prairie View A&M University.
As an educator, her mantra was each child has a unique, God given talent that requires cultivation and nurturing. She would have given her life's blood for the advocacy and advancement of young people whether it was a student in her tutoring programs, a student at Lee Elementary, a student at neighboring colleges and universities, and every other child in Cypress-Fairbanks and throughout the state. She was among the fortunate who found their true passion in life (educating children) and enjoyed every moment.
She had the unusual privilege of teaching high school English to four of her siblings in Cy-Fair ISD. She taught middle and high school English for fourteen years, was a middle and high school counselor for sixteen years, and worked at Cy-Fair's administration office as Academic Achievement Coordinator and later Director for eight years. In 2005 a school was named in her honor; LaFaye Johnson Lee Elementary School located at West Little York and North Eldridge Parkway.
Maintaining her family's genealogy was a top priority, giving back to the community "was the rent she paid for living," reading was her passion, she found joy in playing bid whist, bridge and poker, and she loved collecting Africana, Maasai art, decorating for Christmas and the fall. Nature was where she received her healing – her closest communion with God and she lived a full, satisfying life.
Her spiritual connection with God was on a more personal level. She had the utmost respect for all religious beliefs and knew that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the Way. She wished for God's goodness and grace.
Today she would want you to celebrate joyously, to remember the good times, and know her transition to another life will continue to be fulfilling. May God continue to keep you in his care.
Memorial Service held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at 12:00 pm, on the premise of LaFaye Johnson Lee Elementary School, 12900 West Little York Rd., Houston, TX 77041 (713-849-8281). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to LaFaye Johnson Lee Elementary, c/o Principal, Susan Epperson.
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