Lorene Ann Lee

Lorene Ann Lee passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Kentucky on June 17, 1936, to missionary parents, Lorene's life was shaped by a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and global perspective from an early age.

She spent much of her childhood in China, living on a mission houseboat as her father ministered to boat people on the Pearl River in Canton. During World War II, the family returned to the United States in May 1942 and spent five years in Wisconsin. In 1947, they returned to China, this time to the interior near the Yangtze River. Political unrest forced another move, and they settled in Hong Kong, where her father established eight schools throughout his remaining missionary career.

In 1950, at just 14 years old, Lorene traveled alone by Norwegian steamer back to the United States and on to Canada, where she attended boarding school for high school. She later enrolled in college in Seattle, where she met her first husband, Fred. Together, they had two children: Scott and Lisa. After 22 years of marriage, Fred passed away from throat cancer. Tragically, her son Scott, serving in the U.S. Air Force, died in a mountain-climbing accident several years later.

Lorene found love again and married Derek Lee, a British Lt. Colonel and dentist, on September 5, 1981, in Hong Kong. The couple lived for the next 25 years among the British military and civilian communities, with Lorene embracing a unique and diverse life overseas. She cherished visits back to the U.S. to spend time with her daughter Lisa, son-in-law Rick, and grandchildren.

In 2004, Lorene and Derek relocated to Marietta, Georgia, where they have lived since.

Lorene is survived by her beloved husband, Derek Lee; daughter, Lisa Cord; son-in-law, Rick Cord; granddaughter, Lori Cord; grandson, Nathan Cord and his wife, Beth; step-granddaughter, Sara Cord; and great-grandchildren Abby, Hunter, and Liam, sister, Carol and brother Ed and his wife Nancy.

A memorial service to celebrate Lorene’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia.

Lorene’s story is a testament to faith, strength, and a remarkable journey across continents, cultures, and generations. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.