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Click here to view funeral program for Shirley Treadwell Lee.

Shirley Treadwell Lee departed this life on December 3, 2023, at her home in Orange, VA. She was 76 years old, born on August 7, 1947, in Garland, NC, and lived in Bladen County. Early in life, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at Miller's Chapel AME Zion Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Treadwell, Sr. and Lillie M. Wright Treadwell, and brother William Treadwell, Jr. They will always be in our hearts.

Shirley T. Lee graduated from Bladen Central High School in 1965, where she was an outstanding student and friend. After high school, she attended Fayetteville State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, grades K-7, in 1969. She was known for her determination to succeed in everything that she did in life. Her famous quotes were the following, "Practice makes perfect." "Don't give up." "Dream about a successful future." and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

During the summer of 1969, Shirley T. Lee was hired by the Orange County School System as a third -grade teacher by Renfro C. Manning. She taught third grade for 31 years at Orange Elementary school and served as a substitute teacher for 13 years. She served in the following positions: Summer Preschool Teacher, Summer Reading Teacher, Homebound Teacher, and the Boys and Girls Club of Orange, VA, for many years.

After coming to Orange County, Shirley T. Lee, became a member of the Nazareth Baptist Church in the town of Orange, VA. She was a devoted member of her church and served in several ministries: Secretary of Sunday School, Missionary Society, Deaconess, and Senior Choir. Afterwards, she became the First Lady of Nazareth Baptist Church for 12 years.

What a legacy! We will always cherish the special ways Shirley T. Lee made our hearts feel glad and how God gave her the spiritual strength and resources to accomplish so many wonderful things, amid adversities. She will always be remembered for her love of God, devotion to her family, friends, her gardening, spirited personality, love for her students and a radiant smile that showed support for others.

Shirley T. Lee leaves to cherish in her memories, her husband, Rev. Dr. Gene T. Lee, of Orange, VA; one son, Glenn T. Lee, and wife, Tinika, and grandson, Boaz Lee of California; sisters, Vernell Treadwell, and Linda Treadwell of Brooklyn, NY; brothers, Dr. Edward L. Treadwell and wife, Cheryl of Greenville, NC, and Alton Treadwell of Brooklyn, NY; nephews,  Michael, Daron, and Eldon Treadwell; In-Laws: Judy Treadwell of Southern Pines, NC, and Rev. James E. Lee and wife, Merle of Wendell, NC; nieces, Teresa, Debbie, Angie, Karen, and Patricia. nephews; Michael, Tommy, Gary, Kenith and Kelly. She also leaves a host of cousins, special close friends from Nazareth Baptist Church, community churches, her neighborhood, county schools and Boys and Girls Club of Orange, VA.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 4-8 pm in The Sun Chapel at D. D. Watson, Louisa, VA.

Viewing will be held from 11 am until noon on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at William Toney's Funeral Home , 216 East Barbee Street, Zebulon, NC 27597. Funeral services will begin at noon, with Pastor Gary Lee, eulogist. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens Zebulon, NC.