Irene Oliver Lee

Irene Oliver Lee, 86, of Rainbow City, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 1, 2013. Serving nearly four decades as a nurse anesthetist at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, she brought comfort and compassion to generations of Etowah County citizens. She served as president of the Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists twice. She was also a dedicated member of the Gadsden Pilot Club for more than 40 years and served as the governor of the Alabama District of Pilot International in 1996. Her church home was White Springs Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member for more than 60 years. Mrs. Lee’s life was enriched by faith, family, and friendships, and she in turn enriched the life of everyone she met. She was a beautiful Southern lady whose faith and leadership were an example to all who knew her.

She is survived by three daughters; Teresa Mabrey of Opelika, Susan Lee, and Leslie (Bryan) White of Rainbow City; five grandchildren: Mary (Kenny) Gamblin of Newburgh, IN, Tyler (Beth Ann)Mabrey of Auburn, Jason (Amy)Lee of Chelsea, Robert (Sara) Lee of Southside, Renee (Aaron) Ludwick of Madison; a sister, Polly Alspach of Canal Winchester, OH; a sister-in-law, Nancy (Lacy) McEntyre of Attalla; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Lee was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Robert E. Lee, Jr.; her parents, James and Lizzie Oliver; and five sisters and brothers.

Pallbearers will be: Jason and Robert Lee, Vernon Lee, Tyler Mabrey, Paul Oliver, and Kenny Gamblin.

The family will receive friends at Collier-Butler Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

The service will be at White Springs Baptist Church in Rainbow City on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Lee Family Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.

Flowers will be accepted, and donations may be made to White Springs Baptist Church or the Pilot Club of Gadsden.

Special thanks to Casey, Karen, Lindsey, and Suzanne of Alacare Hospice, Rev. Vince Whittington and Rev. Michael Yopp, Time Reid, Glennell Ramsey, Judson Hamilton, Ann Hutchins, Nancy Hughes, and Sherre McGinnis.

“For the Lord is good, and His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.