Lee Thi Hampson

Lee Thi Hampson, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 20th at the age of 72, after bravely facing cancer for two and a half years. Born on March 4, 1952, in Vietnam, Lee grew up in a large family. Her siblings will remember her vivaciousness as a child and young adult, always the ring leader or chosen team captain in group games and sports. She excelled at school and was admired for her intelligence and wit, as well as her breathtaking beauty. She grew up amid the turmoil of the Vietnam War, showing early signs of the resilience that would define her life. It was during these difficult years that she met Denny Haney, a U.S. military linguist and magician. His charm and sleight-of-hand tricks captivated Lee, and the two fell in love. Their bond led Lee to bravely leave her home and family behind to start a new life in the United States.

Lee and Denny co-founded Denny & Lee’s Magic Show, traveling the world for over a decade and performing their renowned magic show for audiences far and wide. Although Lee and Denny’s marriage ended, they continued to tour together and it was during this time that she met Ernie Hampson, who joined the magic tour as a magician’s apprentice. Ernie stole Lee’s heart and they soon married, creating a steadfast bond that would last the rest of her life.

When Ernie enlisted in the military, focusing on Russian linguistics and later cybersecurity, Lee transitioned into the role of a devoted military spouse. Together, they raised their children, moving frequently from Texas to Germany, Arizona, Georgia, and eventually settling in Northern Virginia.

Lee was known for her boundless sense of humor and her ability to turn any situation into one filled with laughter. She was the creative mind behind countless family idioms and euphemisms that have become legendary in the Hampson household and will undoubtedly be passed down for generations. A talented cook, Lee loved sharing her Vietnamese heritage through food, often encouraging family and friends to indulge in her heaping portions, even after they insisted they were full.

She was also an avid game player, known for her skills in chess, dominoes, and card games, and her love of casinos—particularly blackjack and slot machines. Many of her closest friendships were forged at the casino, where her infectious personality made her an instant favorite among fellow players. Lee’s passion for football, especially the NFL, was unmatched; she could rattle off stats and names of players and coaches with ease, earning her the reputation as a die-hard fan.

Lee leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and warmth. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ernie Hampson; her four children, Dawn (Haney) Campbell, Denny Haney Jr., Ernest Hampson VI, and Erica Beth Hampson; and countless friends and family members whose lives she touched with her generosity and spirit. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her. May she rest in peace.

Visitation will be held at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial on October 23rd, from 6-9pm. Funeral Services and Interment will be held at the same location on October 24th at 11:00am. Wake will be held at the Hampson home, starting one hour after the memorial service ends.