Debra Jennifer Lee

Jennifer Lee, 45, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on July 17, 2026, leaving behind a family and community forever grateful for the light she brought into their lives.

Born December 4, 1980, in Eupora, Mississippi, to Tommie Ray and Sue Wiygul Lee, Jennifer’s roots ran deep in family — and that sense of belonging never left her. From those earliest days, she carried a warmth and closeness that would define every relationship she built afterward.

Anyone who knew Jennifer knew her smile first — that infectious positivity that seemed to convince the world things were going to be okay. She didn’t just love people; she loved them fiercely, fully, without holding back. And nothing captured her heart quite like her two boys, 10-year-old Isaac and 7-year-old Isaiah. She raised them to be loving, curious, and kind — and she made sure their childhood was full of adventure, laughter, and joy. Being their mom wasn’t just part of her life; it was the center of it.

Jennifer built her career as an Operations Manager at Systems and Methods Inc. (SMI) in Carrollton, bringing the same steady dedication to her work that she brought to everything else. Throughout her life, she was deeply committed to serving her workplace and community. As a member of the 2024 Leadership Carroll Cohort and a participant in the 2024 Citizens Academy, she demonstrated a passion for leadership, community engagement, and making a meaningful difference.

She dedicated many years to SMI, where she served as Operations Manager with unwavering commitment and integrity. In addition to her leadership role, she led the Employee Engagement Committee, fostering a workplace culture built on connection, encouragement, and teamwork. One of her proudest accomplishments was building the Support and Resolution Teams from the ground up, pouring her heart and soul into creating programs that reflected her compassion, vision, and dedication to helping others. Her influence will continue to be felt through the countless lives she touched and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

She is survived by her sons, Isaac and Isaiah; her mother, Sue Wiygul Lee, and stepfather Gary Cole of Carrollton, GA; her sister Catie Lee of Lantana, FL, and niece Alexis Couch of Carrollton, GA; her brother Tommy Lee and niece Cooper Lee of Lawrenceville, GA; and her stepsister Marcie Calenberg (Carey), niece Baylee, and nephew Cole Calenberg of Villa Rica, GA.

A Graveside Service will be held at Ponceannah Cemetery, 23813 Co Rd 42, Paisley, FL 32767, on August 1, 2026, at 10:00 am. A celebration of life will be held in Carrollton, GA on August 8, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.

We’re asking people to skip black attire if they can — Jennifer loved color, and we want the day to feel like a celebration of her life. Wear whatever feels right, just maybe not all black.

An online guestbook is available at www.hardenpauli.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.