Evelyn M. Lee

Evelyn Marie Lee was born on February 29, 1948, in Charleston, SC, to William and Estelle Forrest. She spent her early years in Charleston and Wando, SC, where she attended school, before the family moved to Columbus, OH, in 1962. Evelyn graduated from Marion Franklin High School in 1966.

After high school, she moved to Detroit, MI, where she began her career at General Motors Headquarters in the payroll department, making history as the first Black female to hold this position at the company. She worked there until her transfer to Columbus, where she joined the Service Parts Division of General Motors.

While in Columbus, Evelyn met and married Carlos Jones, and together they welcomed a son, Dontai Jones.

In 1989, Evelyn met her current husband, Robert E. Lee, and in 1992, she transferred to the Lordstown Fabrication Plant, where she worked as a Purchasing Analyst. She held this role until her retirement in 2002, after a successful 10-year tenure. Following her retirement, Evelyn and Robert moved to Reynoldsburg, OH, where they lived until her passing.

Evelyn was a devoted member of Reynoldsburg Community Church, where she actively participated in church life. Her passion for reading led her to become a tutor for Ohio Reads, and she also served as a facilitator for the Quality of Life Workgroup at the General Motors plant in Columbus.

She was deeply committed to her family and enjoyed spending quality time with them, traveling, celebrating Queen’s Day, and reading. She had a special fondness for the color purple, which reflected her vibrant personality.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her father, William B. Forrest Jr.,brother, Charles Forrest, and her stepfather, David J. Bristow. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, which will be carried on by her mother, Estelle Vandross Bristow, and her devoted husband of 33 years, Robert E. Lee.

Evelyn is also survived by her three children: Shana Lee, Kahsha Scurry (Jay), and Dontai Jones; her beloved grandchildren: N’Dea Lee-Orsley, Ashanté Price, LJ Scurry Jr., Kishanna Belton, Tevon Jones, Dontai Jones II, Jabarri Scurry, Jermiah Jones, Nia Scurry, and Aniyah Leslie; as well as her great-grandchildren: Kilawn Belton, Kiriah Belton, Sage Jones, and Kai Jones.

She is also remembered by her sisters: Peggy Buckman, Dr. Levelle Bristow Jenkins (Cecil Sr.), and Carole Birdsall (Dorsey), brother: Leroy Pyatt (Gladys) along with her favorite #1 cousin, Rosa Ransom, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members, and special friends.

Evelyn received her wings on March 12, 2025, at the age of 77.