Geraldine Free ""Gerri Lee

Geraldine Free Lee, always known as ""Gerri"", 86, of Mont Belvieu/Baytown died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 22, 2009 following a long illness. She was born in the East Texas community of East Mountain, on October 12, 1922 to Hubbard and Myrtle (Wells) Free.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Arthur Bernon Lee, son, Michael Bernon Lee, daughters, Sheryl Lee Doyle and husband J. C. and Janet Lee Dolecki and husband Mark, all of Baytown. She is also survived by granddaughters, Angie Ferguson and husband Steve of Portland, OR and Melissa May and husband Justin and Shea Boyer and husband Shane, and five great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Jackson and Jacob Michael May and Cullen and Grant Boyer, all of Baytown.

Surviving siblings include brother, Merle Free and wife Loice of Delhi, LA and three sisters, Mary Chance and husband Talmadge and Marguerite Hollis, all of Austin, TX and Betty Knott and husband Uvey of Brownfield, TX. She also has many nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family. She was preceded in death by her brothers H. J. Free and Harry Free.

Always known to family and friends as Gerri and/or Nanny, she married Bernon Lee of Gilmer, TX in April of 1942. He was transferred to this area from East Texas in the 1950's. They joined Cedar Bayou Church of Christ in 1960, where they still remain members, and lived in Mont Belvieu until Bernon retired from Warren Petroleum in 1985. They then moved to Baytown, where they built their retirement home and have lived happily watching their family thrive and grow. Their family has always been their pride and joy.

Gerri also enjoyed working as a volunteer for several years at the Alexander Campus of San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, and was on a regular bowling league for many years. She very much enjoyed the friends she made there.

Her family will receive friends Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with David Ellis officiating. At her request, her body was cremated.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Odyssey Home Hospice and all the friends, church members and well-wishers who helped in the recent weeks by bringing food, visiting, and offering support in so many ways. We appreciate you all very much.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.