Deborah Lavern Lee

COLUMBIA - A funeral service for Deborah Lavern Lee, 69, will be held at 12:00 noon Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, with burial in Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mrs. Lee passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Born in Columbia, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Jonathan Belton and Evelyn Pay Belton.

Surviving are her children, Mathis Lee VI of Lexington S.C., Jamil Lee of Columbia S.C., Mubarak Lee of Columbia S.C., Martin Lee of Lexington S.C., Jauhari Lee, Serneria Solomon of Hamilton New Jersey, Ismail Lee of Columbia S.C. Also surviving are her precious grandchildren, Alaisia Lee of Columbia S.C., TaNasia Lee of Columbia S.C., Emani Lee of Dallas Texas, Mathis Lee of Columbia S.C., Georgia Lee of Columbia S.C., Aaliyah Lee of West Columbia S.C., Mariah Lee of West Columbia S.C., Julyssa Lee of Waycross GA, Winter Lee of Columbia S.C., Jamil Lee Jr. of Columbia S.C.

Deborah also survived her very loving daughter “In Love”, Gloria Lee; her oldest sister, Sharon Davis; and her youngest brother, Johnny Peay, all of who she held very close to her heart.

Deborah loved music, dancing, fashion, fine dining but most of all, she loved her family. She will be mostly remembered for her sense of humor, her warm smile and the way she embraced anyone she came in contact with. Her heart was bigger than you could ever imagine. She will be missed greatly.

Words From Family

Serneria Solomon (Daughter): Ever since I was a baby my Mother would call me her ‘Pink Carnation’. She said when she was pregnant with me, she drank so much red KoolAid that I came out pink. After 5 boys I know my Mama wanted a girl so bad that it must’ve been a joy she’d never want to forget. She called me her ‘Pink Carnation’ up until her last days. She truly loved me. But the last 5 years I was blessed to get the chance to grow even closer to her. She was my best friend, my therapist, my strength and the reality of living in this world without her has shaken me to my core. We had a very different relationship but it was full of love and hope. And I hope one day when The Lord sees fit that I get to see her again. I Love You Mama. Kiss, kiss, kiss.

Tasha Peay (Niece): “I have so many found memories of her. She was more than my Aunt, she was like my Big Sister. She was 11 yrs old when I was born and she and Uncle June took me as their little sibling. She loved to dance and we would laugh at any and everything. And of course I’m the favorite!!! Lol I got to hang out with her and all her friends, so grateful for those times with her.”

Julyssa Lee (Granddaughter): My Grandma used to play this song all the time

“Don't go chasing waterfalls”

“Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to”

Martin Lee (Son): I love you mom and I always will. Forever.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.