Our beloved mother, Mrs. Wilma Lee, 84, passed away peacefully after a graceful battle with dementia. Though dementia slowly took pieces of her from us over the past few years, it could never take away the love, warmth, and spunky spirit she gave so freely throughout her life.

At just 18 years old, she married the love of her life, Sgt. Major Billy Lee, beginning a lifelong journey filled with love, family, and adventure. As a devoted military wife, she embraced the challenges and experiences that came with military life. She opened her heart and her home to soldiers who were unable to travel home for the holidays, making sure they always had a place at the family table and never felt alone. Her generosity, compassion, and welcoming spirit touched countless lives.

She was a loving and devoted mother who raised four children, giving them a lifetime of unconditional love, guidance, and memories. Her five grandchildren held an especially precious place in her heart. She loved them fiercely and unconditionally, taking great pride in each of them and cherishing every opportunity to be part of their lives.

Mom found joy in the simple things. She loved volunteering at the schools her children and grandchildren attended, working in her yard, and planting flowers, taking great pride in watching things grow. She enjoyed visiting her favorite restaurants, shopping, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Whether she was out for a meal, browsing the shops, or simply sitting together and watching the world go by, she knew how to make ordinary moments extra special.

She leaves behind her four beloved children: Dr. Tina Miller and her husband, Mark; Dr. Kathy Kennedy and her husband, Charles; Dean Lee; and Billy Lee. She will also be deeply missed by her five cherished grandchildren: Jordan Lee, Brittney Lee, Kyle Kennedy and his wife, Kaitlin, Casey Kennedy, and Reagan Lee, as well as her devoted poodle, Bailee, who brought her precious moments of companionship, comfort and joy. She leaves behind countless other family members and friends whose lives were touched and made richer simply because she was part of them.

While our hearts ache with her absence, we find comfort knowing she is once again with the love of her life and those who went before her to include her father, mother and two sisters. Her flowers may no longer be planted, her place at the table may be empty, and we will miss getting the call to go shopping or sitting on a bench watching the world go by—but the love she planted in all of us will continue to grow.

We are deeply grateful for the exceptional care and compassion Mom received throughout the progression of her illness. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the doctors and staff at Cape Fear Valley Primary Care – Owen Drive, whose care and guidance supported her throughout this journey. We are especially thankful to the dedicated caregivers and hospice team at Amedisys Hospice, whose kindness, compassion, and support made it possible for Mom to fulfill her wish to remain in her own home, surrounded by the people she loved, during her final days. Their care brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Mom and to our entire family, and for that, we will be forever grateful.

She was our mother, our grandmother, our home, and our heart. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A private family service will be held later, when her ashes will be lovingly laid to rest in the crypt she will share with our father in the mausoleum at Lafayette Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Wilma by making a memorial gift to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be sent to www.jerniganwarren.com

Services entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301