Elmer Lee Sr.

Elmer Lee Sr., affectionately known as Dicky, was born on November 10, 1936 to the union of Oscar and Annie Mae Lee in the small town of Arkansas City, Arkansas. He was the youngest male of his family. Elmer grew up in Chicago, Illinois with his older brother, Lawrence W., his wife, Beatrice and their son, Lawrence E. Elmer was an honor student at Tilden High School where he was on both the track team and the wrestling team. He continued to learn his building trade at an early age and enhancing his skills. Later he attended ITT Tech for drafting and technical drawing. He worked for Campbell Soup Company in the evening for 10 years, while building a new home for his family brick by brick, from start to finish during the day. In 1957, the family moved to Dixmoor, IL where Elmer enjoyed visiting with family and friends and working on different projects for them too. One of his biggest achievements was building his very first home from scratch. He never had a mortgage to pay and was surprised that he could do it successfully. This accomplishment fortified his knowledge in the building industry. On October 12, 1957, Elmer took his matrimonial vows with Helena Welch. Through this matrimonial union the Lee's had four children, Elmer Jr., Elliott, Cherie and Yolanda. On January 17, 1987, Elmer took his matrimonial vows with Josie Mabry. Through this matrimonial union the Lee's and the Mabry's blended together four children, Linda, Walden, Vanessa and Cynthia. When Elmer and Lawrence E. were 12 and 9 years old, Beatrice learned the truth about the Bible with her sister Margaret and began attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses along with her children. Elmer was enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School and shared his Bible based hope for a paradise world for the future on many occasions. On September 11, 1951, Elmer and Lawrence E. symbolized their dedication to Jehovah through water baptism becoming Jehovah's Witnesses. He served as an Assistant Congregation Overseer for many years. He assisted in the building of the first Kingdom Hall on Vale Avenue in Harvey, IL. It was noted that he would share a 50 minute talk public talk outline by using a 3 x 5 index card only. He enjoyed the ministry where ever he traveled, making many friends along the way. He was associated with the Harvey Central Congregation for a number of years. Elmer leaves to cherish his memories, his children, Elmer Lee Jr., Elliot (Nezell) Lee, Cherie Una, Yolanda Louise, Linda (Reginald) Wilkins, Walden (Carrie) Mabry, Vanessa (Abraham) Norfleet and Cynthia (Paul) Ezimako; his sisters, Sadie Bailey and Helen Murray; a nephew/brother, Lawrence E. Lee; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends.

Tributes

Elmer Lee Sr.

November 10, 1936 - February 2, 2015