Lucille Elizabeth Brooks was born January 7, 1932 to the late Major L. and Mattie P. Brooks in Richmond, Virginia. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Norwood H. Lee, Sr., and her devoted son, Norwood H. Lee, Jr., as well as her beloved brothers, Charles and Ted Phillips. Lucille was called to join them in eternal glory, June 18, 2022 after 90 blessed years of life.
Lucille accepted Christ at a young age and later in life joined her family’s place of worship, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. She was educated in Richmond Public Schools and graduated in 1949 from Maggie L. Walker High School, where she studied beauty culture. She started working at the age of twelve as a restaurant dishwasher and was employed thereafter by M & B Headwear, Seaboard Bag Company, Maymont Pharmacy, F & M Bank, and by Fox Elementary School as a well-loved cafeteria cashier. She retired from Ukrops Grocery Store as one of their most popular cashiers after twelve years of dedicated service.
On May 7, 1954, Lucille married the love of her life, Norwood Henry Lee, Sr. As a young couple, they settled in the Byrd Park area of Richmond’s West End, where they raised their family. Lucille and Norwood created a loving home, where Lucille was like a mother to her children’s friends and all of the young people in the neighborhood. Mrs. Lee was known as, “the mean lady on the corner”, because she believed it took a village to raise a child; but she also kept her candy dishes full for any children who came to visit. Her Sunday dinners often highlighted her amazing macaroni and cheese and her freshly baked homemade rolls. For many, Christmas was not complete without stopping by for a cup of Lucille’s famous eggnog and a slice of her delicious red velvet cake.
Lucille had a quick wit, an unfiltered tongue, and a generous heart. Each time we told her we loved her, she responded she loved us more. We find comfort now in knowing God loved her best and she is now resting in His care.
Lucille is survived by two daughters, Charita M. and Rochelle B. Lee; three grandchildren, Stacy E. Lee (Orlando), and Nygel I. & Myles E. Lee; one great grandson, Felix Woodson; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; one sister- in- law, Rosa Phillips; and other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Avenue where the family will receive friends Sunday from 3PM to 4PM and where funeral services will be held Monday at 12 noon. Rev. Pamela Wilkerson off. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends assemble at the funeral home 11:45AM Monday.