Lora Zee Lee, 85, quietly passed away Friday, January 21, 2022. She was born on a cool day in Opelousas, Louisiana on October 2,1936. She lived and raised her 2 sons, Joseph Melvin Jr. and Carl Wayne Melvin, in Beaumont for most of her life. She was in her Beaumont home when she lost her fight to complications associated with dementia.
Lora was a wondrous, talented matriarch who traveled to the frigid north of Alaska to the warm turquoise waters of Hawaii and many places in between. She was an adventurer, dancer, fashionista, accomplished seamstress, master story-teller and all around Renaissance woman! Many neighbors in Beaumont knew her for her laughter and kindness. She always had time to check on folks and ask how they are doing and listen to their replies.
Lora was phenomenal, determined, tenacious, and fiercely loved and cared for those in her life. At a very young age, she left her family farm for a "big city life." She took a few dollars and built a foundational legacy her descendants will build on and remember her for throughout time. Lora is survived by her eldest son, Joseph who was by her side and cared for her to the end. She will be deeply missed by her 4 grandkids - Chandria Kern, Corey Melvin, Casey Melvin, and Cassandra Akens - as well as her 13 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Lora was a mainstay in each of her grandchildren's lives and gave them the courage and fortitude to make and choose their destinies just as she did.
Lora will be missed beyond measure. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Beaumont. A celebration of life for Lora will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer's/Dementia organization or a charity of your choice.
