Jean Byrd Lee

Jean Byrd Lee, born on February 12, 1940 to the late William Alonzo Byrd and Nellie Rose Phillips, peacefully passed away in her home on January 24, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Jean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A native of Johnston County, Jean graduated from Clayton High School where she met the love of her life, Raymond Earl Lee. Upon graduation, Jean went to work with R. L. Cooper Insurance Company as secretary-treasurer. She later worked with Norwich Mills and the Town of Clayton, also as secretary-treasurer. Jean ended her professional career with Associated Fire Protection Agency where she worked for 20 plus years. Jean always received accolades for her professionalism and detailed work. During this time, she also actively supported her husband’s business ventures, including “Lee’s Fruit and Produce” at the Farmer’s Market in Raleigh. Jean and Raymond were married for 61 years before Raymond passed away in 2019.

Jean’s life was one of servanthood. She loved her Lord and was a faithful servant at First Baptist Church for as long as she was physically able. A member for over 45 years, Jean taught Sunday School for elementary children and is remembered as a wonderful teacher who made learning about Jesus and His love fun and exciting. She later taught Sunday School for senior adults. Jean was a strong Christian lady and found great joy in teaching all ages about Jesus’ love. A faithful member of the Bill O’Neil Baptist Women’s Group, she regularly participated in outreach and mission projects to shut-ins and groups in the community

Jean loved to read and was especially close to the women in her Missionary Round Table, a group who met regularly to read and discuss mission books and share their faith. She was a “Friend” of the Hocutt-Ellington Library and enjoyed supporting them in many ventures, including volunteering her time at their annual Book Sale. She also loved being a part of the Felicia Book Club and sharing some wonderful books and adventures together. As a member of The Woman’s Club of Clayton, Jean was always ready to volunteer for whatever was needed and you could always count on her to do her part. She truly loved serving!

Jean is survived by her daughter Brenda Lee Eason and husband Mike, sons Raymond Earl (Ray) Lee, Jr and wife Lisa, and Jonathan David Lee and wife Erin. She was a proud grandmother of seven grandchildren: Ryan (Ashley) Eason, Trey Lee, Dylan Lee, Ty Lee, Haley Lee, Caleb Lee, Michael Lee and two great grandchildren; Kai Eason and Zoie Eason, all of whom she loved dearly. Jean’s two siblings Belle Byrd Allen and Charles David Byrd preceded her in death. Jean is survived by her sisters-in-law: Faye Byrd, Shirley Lee, Nola Wayne Lee, Peggy Lee, and brothers-in-law George Lee (Susan), Fred Lee (Texie), and Hubert Lee (Bonnie) and many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by sisters-in-law Joyce Blackley, Joyce Lee and Cathie Lee and eight brothers-in law – Rudolph Allen, Ray Lee, Proctor Lee, Ernest Lee, Percy Lee, Troy Lee, Ricky Lee and Ernest Blackley.

A service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 30 at First Baptist Church of Clayton NC with Dr. Len Keever, Reverend Stephanie Parker and Dr. Mark White officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 11:45–12:45 pm in the church fellowship hall. The entombment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The family would like to thank her special caregivers Betty Horne, Lisa Gardner, Jackie Close, Tina Kelly, Donna Miller, Megan Coats, Connie Dienhart, Penny Bradish and Gwyn Holding for the loving care and support provided to Jean over the last several years as she battled Alzheimer disease. A special thank you also to Medi Hospice for their support.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorial gift contributions to the First Baptist Church Clayton Organ Fund or to the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library. Online condolences may be sent to the Lee family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com