Mrs. Annie Elizabeth Lee

August 2, 1931 - February 28, 2020

“I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith” II Timothy 4:7 Annie Elizabeth Lee was born to the late Joseph and Annie Carney on August 2, 1931 as the oldest daughter of 11 children. As the oldest girl, Annie started developing her nurturing and caring heart at a young age by helping raise her siblings. Annie received her formal education in the Cherry Lane Public School System. After graduating from the Pitt County Training School in Grimesland, NC at 17, Annie moved to New York and started cleaning houses for a living to help support her family back home. Shortly after moving to New Jersey, Annie met and married John Allen Lee Sr., the love of her life. To this union five children were born. In 1984, he preceded her in death. Annie continued her education and went to school to become a dietician, working at a nursing home in Montclair, NJ. Annie’s favorite job was caring and nurturing for others. After John & Ann’s kids became adults, they became Foster Parents. Annie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and a friend to all. Her life was rich with love, compassion and kindness. Annie was known as the mother/caregiver of South Clinton Street! Mrs. Lee opened her doors to the young and old. If Mrs. Lee wasn’t your babysitter, then she enjoyed cooking for you. Many gatherings were held at 526 South Clinton Street. If you ever had the pleasure of sitting around the table at 526 you were met with some of Annie’s staples. Pancakes in the mornings, hush puppies in the evenings, sweet potato pies (if you were craving something sweet), and the unforgettable fish fry at end of the week! Annie always had somebody at her table, and when they left, it was with a full belly and memories. She even sold dinners often to make extra earnings and because she loved serving others. Annie was a faithful member of Faith Temple Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey. She prided herself in letting everyone know that the late Bishop L.N. Forbes was her Pastor. After relocating to the North Carolina area, Annie remained a faithful member and attended the now L.N. Forbes OFWB Tabernacle. Annie was preceded in death by her siblings, Joe Carney Jr, Christine Ford, William Carney, Charles Ray Carney, and her great, great grandchild, Raleigh. Annie departed this life, leaving 88 years of cherished memories on February 28, 2020. She leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Debra Ann of Greenville, NC, John Jr. (Monica) of Hayward, CA, Brenda LaVerne (Tony) of Charlotte Hall, MD and Carl Vincent (Dacia) of Greenville, NC; grandchildren, Antoine, Lakesha, Rashan, Desiree, Charnice, Tawana and Dante, thirteen great-grandchildren; five great- great-grandchildren; three amazing sisters, Verna Evans, Louise Scott (Joseph), both of Greenville, NC, Charlotte Roberson (James) of Westhampton, NJ; two brothers, Clifton (Patricia) of Bethel, NC, Raymond (DeeDee) of Greenville, NC; aunts, Helen Adams, Delores Fleming; Godmother, Mother Georgia King; special sister-in-law, Emma Carney of Greenville, NC; precious God children, Yvonne, Laura, Rachel, and Eva; special cousin, Gail Clemons of East Orange, NJ; dearest nephews, Darryl Evans, Eric Roberson, who always held a special place in her heart; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and her in-laws, the Cole Family.