May 7, 1928 - Jan 23, 2023
Betty Jane (Sheridan) Lee died on January 23, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida at age 94.
She was born in Jacksonville, Florida and was the oldest sister of Billie Herron (deceased),
Phillip Sheridan (deceased), Russell (Dee) Maxwell, Richard (Nita) Maxwell, and Shirley
Massey. She graduated from Landon High School (class of 1945) where she was a Lionette and
continued her education at Stetson University. It was at Stetson where she met Thomas (Tommy)
D. Lee, Jr., whom she married in 1947.
In December of 1948, Betty became Mother. Life was filled with children and activities and
supporting her husband as he ran Lee & Cates Glass. In 1972 she became Mimi, a name she was
called by many, even those outside the family. Her life was filled with people she loved and who
loved her deeply.
She was an active member of the Jacksonville community with activities ranging from
investment via The 21 Club to the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army. She spent many
years delivering hot meals to those unable to leave their homes through the Meals on Wheels
program. Betty enjoyed sports of all kinds, specifically tennis and golf, which she did at the San
Jose Country Club where she was a member of the Ladies Golf Association.
Betty’s involvement in her church, Southside Baptist Baptist (Aspire Church San Marco), was
steadfast and spanned 65 years. She actively participated in Sunday school classes, attended
Bible Studies, and evening events at the church. She volunteered for more than 30 years in the
newborn’s nursery holding and rocking babies so young families could attend church services.
While her husband and children volunteered in a collection of ministries around the church,
Betty would often be found minding her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, yet again setting
an example of service and love through action.
That legacy of unconditional love and extending kindness to all was matched by Betty’s sense of
humor and ability to make everyone she met feel part of her family. She was gracious,
thoughtful, witty, insightful, tender, and so very generous. Her love of reading and appreciation
for a good crossword puzzle lives on in her family.
Betty was predeceased by her husband Thomas D. Lee, Jr and daughter Claudia Baggs. She is
survived by five of her children: Sherid (Chris) Braddy; Becky Hall; Thomas D. (NeeCee) Lee,
III; Donna (Bob) Garner; Amy (Mike) Gurr and a son-in-law, Charles (Marib) Baggs; 12
grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
There will be a visitation on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 10:00 - 10:45 am and service of
remembrance at 11:00 am. Both will be held at Aspire Church San Marco; 1435 Atlantic Blvd.,
Jacksonville, Florida, 32207 where Dr. Gary Lee Webber will officiate. Betty will be interred at
Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery beside the husband she so adored in a private graveside
service for immediate family only.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aspire Church San Marco
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5