Mary Lee

Mary Sanford Lee, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on October 6, 1943 in Jasper, Alabama, Mary lived a life characterized by warmth, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

Mary was married to Joe Lee for 47 wonderful years, a marriage filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Together they built a home that welcomed any and all, and their bond remains a lasting testament to their loyalty and commitment to each other.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Mayor Joe Lee; her devoted son, Scott Lee and his wife Felicia Lee; her caring daughter, Kelly Lee Gann and her husband Adam Gann and her brother Michael Sanford (Nelda). She was a proud Nana to five grandchildren: Lillian, Bryant, Avery, Joseph, and John Wesley, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Emmett Cecil and Pauline Sanford, and her dear brothers, Emmett, Jon, and Billy. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life and the stories of their childhood will live on through generations.

Beyond her immediate family, Mary was embraced by many others over the years who thought of her as their own. Her kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit created lasting connections and touched countless lives.

As her family can tell you, she had an extraordinary ability to inspire greatness in everyone who entered her life. She never wavered in her conviction that each person was capable of achieving more than they imagined. Her legacy of high expectation and empowerment continues to resonate in the lives of her grandchildren, who carry forward her belief that greatness awaits within us all.

Mary devoted 34 years of her life to public education, earning her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University, a master’s degree from the University of Alabama and later achieving a doctorate in Special Education from the University of Alabama. Her passion for equality in education guided every aspect of her distinguished career, as she worked tirelessly to ensure that all students, regardless of circumstance, were given the opportunity to thrive. Mary’s commitment was especially evident in her service to children with special needs, a cause she championed with remarkable dedication. As the first principal of The Burkett Center (originally known as Springdale), Jefferson County’s school for multi-handicapped students, she laid the foundation for inclusive education and innovative support for some of the most vulnerable children within the community.

After her impactful tenure within the Jefferson County school system, Mary’s mission for educational equality led her to develop curriculum for inmates in the Alabama State Prison system, believing deeply in the transformative power of learning at every stage of life. Her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched and the meaningful changes she inspired within and beyond the classroom.

A celebration of Mary Sanford Lee’s life will be held on September 24th at Moody First Baptist Church. As an advocate of education and a loyal supporter of Moody High School Athletics, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the 411 Kids Foundation or to Moody High School 411 Network, where she was able to watch every activity broadcasted from the school. Link attached for the 411 Kids Foundation and Moody High School will accept checks payable to MHS 411 Network.

Mary will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured by all she encountered.

411 Kids Foundation - https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLZWSX3YBBQHN/checkout/E527JRSRNDEZYHVKCLVHE66I