Agnes Vernelle Robinson Lee, 84, of Sarasota, FL, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Agnes was born August 15, 1928 in Goodway, AL to the late Elophus Walter and Alma Castillow Robinson, the seventh of nine children. Agnes was the beloved wife of 63 years of Willie Pratt Lee, Sr., whom she married September 10, 1949. She retired from the Social Security Administration in 1982 after more than 25 years of dedicated service in the federal government. She was a pioneer in creating Social Security call centers where the blind were welcomed as valued employees. After frequent career moves within the United States and international stints in Germany and Brazil, the Lees settled in Sarasota, FL.
Agnes was an amazingly energetic woman with a zest for life. She was already in her 5th decade when she took up golf and promptly demonstrated a new talent. Known for her quick wit and bright laugh, she could truly light up a room. A voracious reader and writer, Agnes always had an interesting newspaper clipping to share and a funny story to tell. She could make even the most minute details come to life on paper. Her incredible vitality, determination, strength and courage were qualities admired by all who knew her and her high spirit will be lovingly remembered.
Family and friends were her passion and delight. She is predeceased by her brothers Andrew Leonard Robinson, Walter Robinson, Raymond Ernest Robinson, and Kenneth Robinson and sisters Annie Lou (Robinson) Prestwood and Bernice (Robinson) Fell. She is survived by her beloved husband, Willie P. Lee Sr.; sons, Willie Lee Jr., Mitchell (Linda), Michael (Susan); her daughter, Shelia Lee Fisher (Ashley); her sister Inez Robinson Prestwood Davis; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; eight loving grandchildren: Kammie Fisher DeGhetto (Todd), Robert Fisher, Erika Fisher, Caroline Lee, Katherine Lee (Todd Rothfuss), Victoria Lee, Scott Lee, and Jennifer Lee; and her three great-grandchildren: Jake, Luke and Ellison DeGhetto; many extended family members and numerous cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Navy Seal Foundation (www.navysealfoundation.org) as a tribute to Agnes Vernelle Robinson Lee.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery on May 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM. The family is hosting a Celebration of Agnes' Life reception on May 5, 2013 at 12:00 noon at the Bent Tree Country Club in Sarasota, FL. Family and friends are welcome to attend and add their prayers, condolences and unique remembrances of Agnes' beautiful personality and full life.