Carolyn Ruth Lee

The brave and kind daughter of Effie and W.E. Douglas, Carolyn was born December 18, 1940, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She was one of six children raised in a modest home filled with love. She attended Shawnee High School and Calvary Baptist Church. She met Larry Lee at that church when he was visiting as a student at Oklahoma Baptist University. and the two were married in 1959. They had two wonderful daughters, Melinda, and Jennifer.

Career moves guided the family to 13 different cities through the years, and Carolyn was always the engine that kept the family running. From Ohio to Mississippi and Tennessee to North Carolina, she was always involved in family and community activities. She eventually earned her college degree from UNC Pembroke, but she was always an Oklahoma Boomer Sooner through and through. After moving to Virginia, she became one of the early employees in the credit division of the new Capital One Bank.

Carolyn absolutely loved to sew. She made outfits for her young children, and later became an avid quilter. She created lap quilts for those in need, sensory quilts for blind babies, and many more for family and friends who were blessed to be the recipient of a lovingly crafted work of art. She was also an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

She is survived by her husband, Larry D. Lee, of Mechanicsville. Surviving siblings are Joyce Douglas Maxwell, Sandra Douglas Horse, and Curtis Douglas (wife Susan). Surviving in-laws are Melody Lee Stroth and Kathleen Lee (wife Tana). Surviving children are Melinda Lee Sams (husband Jeff) and Jennifer Lee Matthews (husband Jay). And she had four grandchildren: Laura Sams, Kevin Sams, Trevor Matthews, and Bryce Matthews. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her brothers Robert Douglas and DeWayne Douglas.

The family requests that any memorials be directed to Habitat for Humanity of Hanover and King William or to the charity of your choice.