Mary Nell Lee

Mary Nell Richey Lee went to be with the Lord November 7,2019 surrounded by her family and love ones. She was born January 18, 1946 in Eastaboga, Alabama to the union of Daniel Clay Richey Sr. and Evernell Suttle Richey. She was a graduate of Munford High School, Class of 1965.  Mary Nell relocated her family to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1977 were she continued her education at Rice College becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in 1984.  She was employed with the Knox County School System over 20 years and Job Corp for 5 years. She had an array of talents such as sewing, cooking, singing, and modeling.  Mother Lee was a faithful member of Foster Chapel where she diligently served in many capacities: kitchen committee, several choirs and “Sisters & Friends.”

Preceded in death by her husband, John Adam Lee; son (twin of Bernell); parents; brothers, Daniel Clay, Jr. Timothy Lee and John Henry Richey and best friends, Elizabeth Pettit and Mary Tucker.

Left to treasure her memory, son, Dexter Richey (Jennifer); daughters, Tonya (Robert) Chandler, Sonya (John) Wilson, Latoya (Sanford Sr.) Miller, Bernell (Jermain) Jackson and Valerie (Darryl) Stewart; 18 grandchildren, TaChae Payne, Kerial Petitt, Kaila Richey, Chase, Shanika and Sherry Wilson, Katoia Lee, Jasmine Wilson, Kordell Richey, Devin and Destiny Cullom, Na’Beria Bell, Trayanna Walker, Jabbar Dragg, Robert “RJ” Bell, Jaden Dragg, Ar’Briya Payne; 7 great grandchildren, TyRiah, Tyheed and Tyree Payne, TayShawn and Zadarrius Wilson ,Tyleek and Kariah Richey; sisters, Rosa Nell Whatley and Margaret Ann Woodard, both of Anniston. AL, Debra Jean Johnson of Knoxville, TN and Marquilla (Marvin) Gooden of Talladega. AL; brother, Arnold D. Richey of Knoxville, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to include her Foster Chapel Baptist Church family.

Saturday, November 16, 2019, the family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a Homegoing Celebration to follow at Foster Chapel Baptist Church, 2101 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN. Reverend Joseph Tolbert, Pastor will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Mount Olive Cemetery where a white dove release will conclude the service. Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the service. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.

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