She was born March 20, 1936 in Salisbury, NC to the late E.F. Upchurch, Jr. and Laura Elizabeth Moore Upchurch.
Bettie attended elementary and high school in Greensboro, She began her college studies at Women’s College (now University of North Carolina - Greensboro), transferred to Wake Forest College (now Wake Forest University,) where she graduated in 1958.
Bettie and her husband, Dr. John G. Lee, DDS were married in 1959. John served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in Milton, Florida. After his honorable discharge, they moved to Boonville, NC. Bettie taught school at Starmount HIgh School, Forbush High School, and Boonville Elementary. Dr. and Mrs. Lee were faithful members of Boonville Baptist Church for over 50 years, where Bettie served as Director of Training Union, teacher of youth and adult Sunday School Classes. After retiring, they moved to Brookridge Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, where they later became members of Ardmore Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, Bettie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; and her brother, Fred Moore Upchurch. Surviving are two daughters, Linda Lee Juntgen, and husband, Tim of Lancaster, SC; Laura Lee Buchanan,and husband, Mark, of Southport, NC; three loving grandchildren, Brandon Lee Cleary (wife Melinda), Emily Cleary Prince (husband Thomas), Alex Lee Buchanan, (wife Grace) who called her and will remember her as “MaBet”; and a precious great grandson, Walker Cleary who called her “Bet”.
The family invites you to join them to glorify God and to celebrate the life of Bettie U. Lee at Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, on Saturday, October 10,2026 at 11:00 a.m. Prior to the service, at 10:00 a.m.there will be time to visit with the family and remember shared joys, laughter and love.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to one of the following; Ardmore Baptist Church mission ministries at https://ardmorebaptist.org Baptist Children’s Homes of NC at https://bchfamily.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at https:donorservices.alz.org
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com
Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.
