You want to know how she came to be called "Wizzie"? As a child, she was always in one place or the other. It went from "Wiz" to "Wizzie". Oh boy, she was hard to track down!
She attended George, Sitton and graduated from Highland Elementary School. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland. As a teen, Wizzie was so popular. She always had lots of friends. Everywhere she went people flocked to her. She loved to dance, and she could! She even won a dance contest on TV on "High Time". There was always a house full of kids, in the kitchen, dancing on Cleveland Avenue. And you know who you are!
After graduation, she furthered her studies in Business at Portland Secretarial where she obtained her degree. Which she was very proud of! Shortly thereafter, in 1965, she gave birth to 2 beautiful twin boys, Aaron Lee and Eric Lee whom she loved dearly. They were her world. She always said, "Mama's got 2 boys!" Unfortunately, Aaron passed away at 16 months old. It was one of the saddest days of her life. But she still had Eric to take care of. He became her one bright spot, and she doted on him. Was he spoiled? You betcha! We ALL spoiled him. But it gets better. She had Jason Eugene in 1968. Another precious baby boy. Wizzie was very protective of her boys.
Wizzie was employed at Safeway as a checker for 22 years. She enjoyed her job. She was the fastest checker at the Lloyd Center location. And she would let you know it! During that time she met the love of her life, Curtis Burris Jr. with whom she recently celebrated 30 years of marriage. She lovingly called him "Sweet Thang" and when he wasn't "Sweet Thang" he was simply "Boo". Oh how she loved him! They entered into matrimony on September 16, 1989. She always said, "that was the best day of my life." Curtis and Wizzie enjoyed many of the same things. Mainly going to the coast, numerous cruises, and conventions. They just enjoyed being Mr. and Mrs. Their marriage was one that many admired.
In her earlier years she was a member of Immaculate Heart Church. Later years, she became a devoted member of Cornerstone C.O.G.I.C. She was head of the food pantry and other committees. She absolutely loved her CWC family.
Preceding her in death: her parents, Arthur Lee and Fentrice B. Smith; her son, Aaron Lee; and her siblings, Dolores James, Devird Thomas, and Wade Smith.
She leaves to mourn: her husband, Curtis; her sons, Eric Lee (Meschayle) and Jason Eugene (Sherita); sisters, Doris, Adelaide, Jacki (Thurtis), and Donna; 5 grandchildren, Aryn, Kenadi, J'Varey, Drakkar, and Ellyse; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Never forgetting her special friends: Sheila, Alanna, Phyllis, Kristina, and Rená. She thought the world of them.
Words from the family: We will miss you and pray that we can exercise just a portion of your faith and strength! In doing that, we too will see Heaven! Love, your family!
