Joy Hattie Lee - Story

Joy leaves three sisters, six nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Her love for her family was limitless and her heart was as big as the outdoors. Her relationship with her siblings – Maxine Lee Couture (Robert), Arline Lee Sharp (Leslie “Corky”), and Debra Lee Almquist (Richard, deceased) – were very close, despite their age differences. She was always there for them, always happy when they were happy. She was their rock, and her passing leaves a painful hole in their hearts.

Joy was an amazing woman. Her constant curiosity and quest for knowledge were never ending. Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, she graduated at the tender age of 16. She then attended Ripon College in Wisconsin for one year, but decided to enter the workforce instead and continue her education at a later time. She was employed by the US Air-Force as a civilian secretary, stationed at O’Hare Field. Joy then worked for Smith, Buckling & Associates as an Administrative Assistant, she loved her job, the responsibility, and most especially the traveling for the job.

Joy had a strong sense of adventure. She left Chicago’s cold winters and settled in Miami for warmer weather and adventure, she landed a job as a sales rep for the Di Lido Hotel in Miami Beach. She found great success in Florida. However, her old company in Chicago recruited her back where she was met again with great successes. She was able to advance up the ranks to become a full partner with over 100 employees under her tenure where she remained until her retirement in 1990 and her move back to Florida. True to Joy’s character, she completed her education receiving her BA, MBA, and Doctorate in 6 years. Adult Education and Experiential Learning was the theme of her thesis, and her passion. Joy served as an Adjunct Professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Strayer University and Bakke Graduate University. Joy taught MBA level honors classes and was highly respected by her students and faculty members.

Joy is major loss to many. As one friend stated; “Our loss is Heaven’s gain” That it is.