Elsie "Jo" Joan Waldrup Lee

Elsie Joan “Jo” Lee, age 79, of Tuscaloosa, died May 3, 2012, at her daughter's home. Services will be 4 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Jennings Chapel Rose Garden with Rev. Judy Shepard officiating and Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Loraine and Rodney Waldrup of Batesville, Miss.

Survivors include her ex-husband, Joe T. Lee of Jonesboro, AR; daughter, Wendy Renee Fourt (Robert) of Tuscaloosa; stepdaughters, Carole Ann French of Jonesboro, AR and Robbie Donaldson Ryals of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Lauren, Taylor, and Lindsey Fourt, David and A.J. French, and Tim Ryals; and three great-grandchildren.

An energetic social butterfly, she was a unique lady who was loved by everyone she touched. She adored life and family and up to her final days wanted to be in the midst of life's fun. Her uplifting, sometimes quirky, sense of humor and outlook brought joy and spunk to every occasion. Whether you knew her as an avid gardener, a talented artist, smooth jazz singer, or an adventurous traveler, her loving heart and desire to live life to the fullest inspires us all to appreciate everything life has to offer. Though small in stature, her strong will motivated us all to overcome our own challenges. A survivor by heart, who loved the Lord, she will be missed by all who knew her.

Honorary pallbearers are Xi Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, Suzanne Group and Beta Sigma Phi of Jonesboro, Amedysis Hospice, Carole Criswell, Amy Brown, and The Woodland Hills Garden Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.