Lucy Jane Russell Lee, 78, of Johns Creek, Georgia passed away on January 17, 2019. Lucy was born in Covington, Kentucky to the late Charles Edward Russell and Jane Frances Russell on May 29, 1940. She graduated cum laude from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and obtained her Master of Arts in Teaching from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Additionally, Lucy was a piano student at Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music for 15 years. She married the love of her life, Gary Lee, Jr., on July 28, 1962 and they have three children. Lucy tirelessly supported Gary throughout his career with United Parcel Service which included nine moves in 26 years. In each and every community, Lucy made her mark. She was involved in education for over 25 years as a teacher, volunteer, and parent, and taught English as a Second Language. She served as a board member of countless organizations focused on education and the arts including the College Club of Bergen County, New Jersey and the Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio symphony volunteer organizations. Lucy and Gary moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1992 where she became intimately involved with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Lucy served as a member of the Board of the Orchestra beginning in 1996 and had been a member of the Board of Counselors since 2012. She was the President of the Atlanta Symphony Associates from 1996 to 1998, and chaired many committees and fundraising projects for the organization. Lucy was devoted to music education, and as such, was a member of the Education Committee and a supporter of Youth Education concerts. In 1995, Lucy was appointed by Gov. Zell Miller to Georgia’s 1st Commission for National and Community Service (Americorps). During her seven year tenure on the Commission, she was Chair for four years and a delegate to the America’s Promise summit convened by President Bill Clinton. She was a founder of GA Serves, Inc., a member of the Education Committee of Hands on Atlanta, and a member of United Way of Atlanta Volunteer Advisory Board. Lucy was involved in her neighborhood as well. She served as the President of the Country Club of the South Charity Guild for two years and Tour of Homes Chair. Additionally, Lucy was an active member of St. Brigid Catholic Church. She was a Eucharistic Minister, member of the choir, and served with numerous ministries including community outreach and bereavement services.
Lucy was a fearless adventurer. She enjoyed travel, so she and Gary have travelled the world together. She loved spending time at their home on St. Simons Island. Lucy was a devoted grandmother and religiously attended events to cheer for all of her grandchildren in their various endeavors. She never stopped learning new things; a trait her dad Charlie instilled in her. It brought Lucy great joy to support her children and grandchildren in their pursuit of higher education.
Lucy is survived by Gary Lee, Jr., her husband of 56 years; three children Marybeth, Gary Joseph, and Jane; and 11 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She is also survived by brothers Dr. Joseph Russell and Steve Russell, and preceded in death by sister Cecilia Russell Ash.
Visitation will be held at the Roswell Funeral Home in Roswell, Georgia on Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Funeral services will be held at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Johns Creek on Monday, February 4, 2019 at 11am with Rev. Fr. Neil Herlihy. A reception will follow at the church. Lucy’s ashes will be laid to rest by the family in a ceremony on St. Simons Island, Georgia.
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