Kathryn Neal Lee

On Christmas Day, Heaven received the most beautiful angel. Kathryn Neal Lee passed away on December 25, 2025 after a sudden decline in health. She was born in Grenada, MS on January 21, 1944 and lived in Lake Providence, LA before moving to Baton Rouge in 1965.

In her 81 years, Kathryn never met a stranger. Her genuine love of people and heart for serving others influenced her life. For many years, she was a licensed cosmetologist at Stefan’s Salon and continued to enjoy doing hair the rest of her life. The barber chair in her kitchen is now empty, but holds many memories of her skill for styling hair and building relationships with the ladies that became her regulars including Mrs. Long and Mrs. Jackie.

Kathryn’s animated and fun personality shone as a preschool teacher at The Runnels School where she worked on Jefferson road for many years and developed strong friendships. She was also a loving caregiver to her mother, who lived in her home for 11 years, as well as friends and neighbors who needed assistance, especially Mrs. Poole, Gertrude and her dear friend Cindy. She always put others needs ahead of her own and found purpose in assisting others and making them feel special.

The absence of her larger than life personality has left a deep chasm in our hearts. Kathryn’s life was filled with love, family, friends, laughter, music, fun and many pets. She was the light of our lives, the best Mom/“Nan Nan” in the world and our biggest cheerleader and supporter. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was a very attentive and present Nan Nan and loved to have fun with her grandchildren and was so proud of each of them. Her family was the center of her universe and she loved us with every fiber of her being.

She taught us to appreciate the little things in life including beautiful music and the house was often filled with gospel music and Elvis Presley. It was important that her girls learned how to play music and she was so proud of her daughters musical talents and watching them play brought her so much joy. She loved a good recipe and had cookbooks and magazine clippings all around the house. She enjoyed tending to her many plants and loved fresh flowers, even working at her friend’s floral shop. She had a strong sweet tooth and was known for her famous pound cake. Kathryn was boisterous, lively, joyful and full of ideas that she shared freely. She spoke with her two sisters daily and was so grateful for FaceTime that kept them very close even though they live in Alaska and North Carolina.

Kathryn had a beautiful smile and a sweet spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

As a long time member of University Baptist Church, she ensured that we grew up with a strong foundation in Christ. She encouraged us to be involved with the handbell choir, youth choir, and she chaperoned many youth group trips. She loved her Sunday School class and maintained those friendships through their monthly Pokeno games. She was grounded in Faith so we know she is fully healed and singing with the angels.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Donald V. Lee; her three daughters and sons-in-law, Christy Lee Gandy (William), Karyn Lee Beauchamp (Buzz), Allison Lee Kleinpeter (Lance); four beloved grandchildren Walker Gandy, Anna Lee Beauchamp, Kathryn “Katy” Kleinpeter and David Kleinpeter; two sisters Beth Falls (Jim) and Julia Portier, many nieces and nephews, her faithful dog Stella, and those who called her “Mama Lee”, especially Kellyn and David Hodge. She is preceded in death by her parents, R.E. Neal and Myrtle Fulgham Neal, brothers Gene Neal and Robert Neal, and nephew David Fields.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ray Corona, Dr. Jiha, and the many wonderful physicians that provided care for her over the years. Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst on Saturday, January 24 at 1:00 pm followed by A Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm.