Tributes

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8 Pastor, Dr. Curtis Alfonza Lee, Sr., son of the late Curtis and Annie Lee, was born on January 22, 1948, in Martin County. Early Sunday morning, November 16, 2025, God gave him a glimpse of Heaven and gently called his name, letting him know it was time to come to his eternal home, where there would be no more sickness, pain, or suffering. Pastor Lee accepted Christ as his personal savior and joined Willow Chapel Baptist Church at an early age. He served faithfully in many capacities until God called him into the ministry under the leadership of Pastor Walter Hines. Pastor Lee further his education at the St. Augustine Theological Institute, where he earned his Doctor of Divinity Degree under the guidance of Archbishop Dr. Willie G. Alexander and Overseer Dr. Vera Alexander. Answering the Pastoral call with humility and devotion, he went on to Pastor John Andrews Baptist Church where he served for 22 years, until God called him home. One of his greatest desires was to see the completion of the dining hall, a vision he cherished deeply. Though he did not witness its completion, he leaves this meaningful work in the hands of those who will continue the legacy he began. Pastor Lee attended school in Martin County and graduated from East End High School in Robersonville, NC. Following graduation, he entered the work force. Pastor Lee was a dedicated hard worker. He was employed with Beaunit Mills, which later became West Point Pepperell, for more than 30 years. After the plant closed, he continued his employment with East Carolina University where he worked until he retired. Even in retirement Pastor Lee was not one to sit still. He began working at Doug Henry Chevrolet until his health declined. Pastor Lee loved the Lord and diligently served Him with all his heart, soul, and mind. He cared about the souls of others and longed for everyone to come to know Christ and receive the gift of salvation. Pastor Lee enjoyed serving in the community and was an inspiration to many who knew him. During the holidays, he wanted to ensure no family went without. Guided by a God-given vision, he began a “Turkey Ministry” blessing families with turkeys. On July 29, 1969, Pastor Lee married the love of his life, Brenda Elizabeth Duggins. They were blessed with two sons. Pastor Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Annie Lee; brother, William Earl Coburn; sister, Verna Mae Feggins, and granddaughter, Christina Lee. Pastor Lee leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 56 years, Brenda Lee; two sons: Curtis Jr. (Charonda) of Clayton, NC, and Eric of Greensboro, NC; two granddaughters: Carmen Lee of Clayton, NC, and Asia Woolford of Virginia, grandson: Eli Morning, eight great-grandchildren, sisters: Addie Bernice Dickens (Larry) of Gold Point, NC, Janie Louise Council of Connecticut, and a host of aunts, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, church families, friends, and a special cousin who was like a brother, Exum Lee of Virginia.

Tributes

Pastor Dr. Curtis Alfonza Lee

January 22, 1948 - November 16, 2025