Theodore Roosevelt Lee
Theodore Roosevelt Lee, affectionately known as “Teddy,” “Jabo,” and “Pop Pop,” was born on Wednesday, August 23, 1933 in Hobgood, North Carolina, to the late Annie Lee (Dickens) Lee and Roosevelt Lee. Growing up in a Christian home in the rural segregated South, he was proud of his roots and often shared with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, memories of the times he and his family spent farming and tending to the crops in the field.
Teddy attended Brawley High School in Halifax County, North Carolina, and later enlisted in the United States Army, achieving rank E-3 Private First Class #901, proudly serving his country in the Korean War. Teddy was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal for his military service. After completing his service in 1955, Teddy attended auto mechanic school, and undertook several years of studies at Saint Paul’s College, located in Lawrenceville, Virginia. He later moved to New Jersey to marry the love of his life, the late Nannie Andrews Lee, in July of 1957. Teddy and Nannie initially met each other when they were in elementary school in North Carolina. They were married for over forty-years until Nannie went home to be with the Lord on May 2, 1998. Together they had one son, Gregory Theodorius Lee, born on October 16, 1959, and made their home in Colonia, New Jersey. To support his family, Teddy worked various jobs over the years, including at drum company, a bakery, and at two restaurants in Harlem, New York that he and Nannie owned. Eventually, Teddy came to work in the dietary department at Lyons Veterans Administration Hospital in Somerset, New Jersey, a neuropsychiatric hospital serving veterans, where he retired from.
Giving to others was a lifelong passion for Teddy, who was known for his integrity, commitment and big heart. Over the years, he and Nannie served as foster parents to twenty-five foster children through the State of New Jersey, Department of Children and Families. In the early 1990s, he and Nannie became foster parents and adopted the last four of their foster children whose names are: Akiya, Ashley, Keyetta, and Diondre Lee. A great example of a provider, Teddy humbly helped those in need, as evidenced by him becoming a caretaker for William C. Lewis, a disabled veteran who became his lifelong friend and moved with Teddy and his family to Orlando, Florida where they settled in 1995. Teddy believed in and worshiped God and was a member of the Pine Hills Community Church before he moved to St. Cloud, Florida to spend his last years. He was easy going, never complained, and enjoyed the simple things in life, such as taking walks outside, eating at his favorite restaurants, and listening to sermons. Everyone knew him for his humorous demeanor, and could always expect him to make a joke to keep the atmosphere light. Some of his favorite sayings were: “Hey girl, how you doing?” and “Did she get married yet?” He never failed to say “I love you,” and “God bless you.” Teddy worked to make the world a better place through his dedication to his family and friends who surrounded him in love, honor, and gratitude for who he was. His presence and spirit were a gift to those who knew and loved him. We honor his life by telling his stories and living every moment with gratitude and devotion.
Teddy, our family patriarch, passed in his journey to be with the Lord, at the age of 86 on the morning of Thursday, July 23, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents, Annie Lee (Dickens) Lee and Roosevelt Lee, his beloved wife, Nannie Andrews Lee, and his older brother, Walter Daniel “Rat” Lee (Shirley).
He leaves to cherish his memory: his five children, Gregory Theodorius Lee (Aida), Akiya Lee, Ashley Lee, Keyetta Lee, and Diondre Lee; younger sister, Ann Liza Aiken-Hearns (Richard); older brother, Therman “Peter” Lee; nineteen grandchildren: Jaide Lee Beverly (Craig), Tyra Lee, Asha Lee, Malachi Lee, Kaleah Walker, Kimorais Lee, Javien Walker, Zion Walker, Larod Jr. Walker, Thenelius Lee, Tye’Kyirah Lee, An’Taniyah Sorrell, Legend Lee, Prodigy Lee, To’ketheos Harris, To’kevious Harris, To’kedrick Harris, To’kecious Harris, and Ke’leinna Harris; two great-great grandchildren, Aliya Beverly and Craig Alonzo Beverly, III; five nieces, Lorraine Lee, Elaine Lee Small, Alicia Lee, Carolyn Lee, and Genee Eddleman; two nephews, Nelson Lee, and Garland Aiken; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Hyman, and Shirley Lee; one godson, Tanji Hyman; and a host of other relatives, extended family, and friends.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the family will hold a private celebration of life service for Teddy in the near future. Share words of sympathy, a favorite memory, or anything that made you laugh or smile with the Lee family by visiting the funeral home’s website at:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/winter-park-fl/theodore-lee-9274877
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