It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Dr, Maryla Lee of Decatur, Alabama, born in Lafayette, Louisiana, who passed away November 29, 2023.
Dr. Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Andrew Lee Sr. and Mary Chaney Lee, of Decatur, her brother, Fred Andrew Lee, Jr., of Decatur.
She is survived by her sister, Dr. Deborah Lynett Lee, of Decatur, her nephew, Paul Andrew Lee (Sonja), of Kingsport, Tennessee, sister in law, Martha Lee, of Kingsport, Tennessee, niece, Wendy Brown Cousins (Rick), of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, great nephew, William Lee, Fort Myers, Florida, great nieces, Elizabth Lee, of Punta Gordo, Florida, Abigail Lee and Emily Lee, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Leanza Kilmun (Murray), of Ardmore, Alabama, Madelina Cousins, of Daphne, Alabama, Nancy Turner, of Decatur, Alabama, Pat Leopard, of Athens, Alabama, Janice Bolan Landers (Bill), of Decatur Alabama, Bryna Landers Grant (Paul), Henderson, Tennessee, Cooper and Landers.
Dr. Lee attended Baker High School in Columbus, Georgia. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1966. She graduated from St. Vincents School of Nursing in 1970. She served in the United States Army from 1969-1973, in the Army Nurse Corps. She was a First Lieutenant. She then was a Federal employee at Fox Army Health Center, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, for 35 years. After a five-day retirement Dr. Lee joined the nursing facility of Calhoun Community College, Decatur Campus. She was honored to teach nursing students for 15 years. During the first year, she was voted “Best Teacher of the Year” and competed with all the Alabama Community Colleges and became “Best Teacher of the Year” for the College systems.
She continued her personal education at the University of Alabama, Huntsville, to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then her Doctorate of Nursing Practice.
Her love of family and friends was a priority number one with her. This included her furry and feathered “babies”. She was so grateful for friends and family.
Dr. Lee was a warm and compassionate individual that loved life and was respectful of those she met. She is and will be missed. Alabama nursing is better for all her professional interactions that she cherished with her students.
The family sends the highest regards to the Clearview Cancer Institute for their tireless efforts to protect Dr. Lee’s life. Decatur Morgan Hospital continually exhibited exemplary care during hospitalizations to include 3 North, ICU, and ED. Special thanks to Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care staff for going the extra mile of care. Great appreciation for lifelong friend, Linda Lucus Stratford, of Savannah, Georgia, our “Little Sister”.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 2:00PM at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 12:00PM to 2:00PM prior to the service in the Chapel.
