Martha C. Lee passed away on July 14, 2026 in Kingsport, Tennessee, surrounded by her family. She had lived in Tennessee for the past 14 years.
Born on December 12, 1945, in Jacksonville, Arkansas, Martha later lived in California and Texas before settling in Columbus, Georgia, where she graduated from Baker High School in 1963. She attended business school and married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Fred A. Lee, Jr., on February 29, 1964.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Beatrice Chappell; her husband, Fred A. Lee, Jr.; her father-in-law, Fred A. Lee, Sr.; her mother-in-law, Mary Chaney Lee; and her sister-in-law, Dr. Maryla Lee.
She is survived by her son, Paul A. Lee (Sonja) of Kingsport, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Lee of Punta Gorda, Florida, William Lee (Ester) of Fort Myers, Florida, Abigail Lee (Christian), and Emily Lee of Chattanooga, Tennessee; her brother, Lee Chappell (Linda) of Texas; and Dr. Deborah Lee of Decatur, Alabama.
Martha enjoyed a long career serving others. She worked for the Alabama Department of Public Safety from 1973 to 1998, beginning as a Driver License Technician and later serving as a Supervisor. She also worked for Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville and later as Office Manager for Brooks Lock & Key in Decatur.
Known for her warm personality and sense of humor, Martha loved people and enjoyed a good prank, especially when it involved the Alabama–Auburn rivalry. She deeply loved her family, cherished her many pets over the years, and had a special place in her heart for Gizmo, her beloved Shih Tzu.
Martha will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Rest in peace, sweet girl.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.
Shelton Funeral Home had the Honor of assisting the family.
