On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, our sovereign God called our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Deneice Lee, home from labor to eternal rest. Deneice was born on February 14, 1952, to the late Alvin and Maybelle Nellum in Norfolk, Virginia.
Deneice was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1970. During her high school years, she was known for her vibrant spirit and determination, qualities that would continue to define her throughout her life.
In 1980, Deneice married the love of her life, Willie Arthur Lee Sr. Their union was a testament to their love, faith, and shared commitment to family. Together, they created a home filled with love and laughter. They were blessed with two children, Natarsha Lee and Arthur Juma Lee. Deneice’s pride and joy were her children, and her heart swelled with love for them every day. Her family grew when Juma married Felicia, and her daughter, Natarsha, gave birth to the light of her life, her granddaughter Brielle Deneice Lee.
At the age of 27, Deneice gave her life to Christ under the leadership of Bishop L.E. Willis Sr. at Garden of Prayer Temple, COGIC. Her faith journey continued to flourish when she became a devoted member of Calvary Revival Church in September 1993. Deneice was actively involved in many areas of church life, where her love for God and others was evident in all she did. She served as a greeter, volunteered with the women’s ministry, and contributed to initiatives such as Angel Tree. Deneice was a faithful servant, always sharing God’s love and making others feel welcome. She was known for her loving spirit, her hospitality, and her unwavering faith. Her heart was always open to others, and she took great joy in hosting fellowship teas, where she made sure everyone enjoyed a full-course meal, often complemented by her delicious homemade cakes. Gift-giving was Deneice’s love language, and she shared this gift with all those around her.
Deneice’s creativity shined through in everything she did. She brought beauty into her church and home, often decorating with her signature flowers and creating inviting, warm spaces. She added her creative touch to every event, reflecting her vision and dedication to serving others. Her legacy is one of love, service, and faith, and she will be remembered for the many ways she touched lives through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to God.
Deneice was proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Arthur Lee Sr., her parents Alvin and Maybelle Nellum and her sister, Rita Mitchell.
Deneice leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy her daughter, Natarsha Lee of Virginia Beach; son, Arthur Juma Lee (Felicia) of Virginia Beach; granddaughter, Brielle Deneice Lee; sister, Alfreada Brown (Victor) of Chesapeake, VA; a special adopted sister, Kathleen Campbell of Chesapeake, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. Deneice’s family and friends will forever carry her love, teachings, and the warmth she spread throughout her life.
Deneice’s legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and will live on through her children, granddaughter, and all those whose lives she touched. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten
Condolences(11)-
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Mildred White says
March 22, 2025 at 3:14 pmThe White’s wish to send:
Sincere condolences to the family of Deneice Lee. Deneice was a
Lady and a faithful friend to many. We shared many wonderful memories together over the years.
May you find comfort and peace in your time of healing. Prayers for the family.
Tyrone Williams says
March 23, 2025 at 2:53 pmI know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Natarsha Lee says
March 24, 2025 at 3:20 pmTo my mother in heaven, thank you for always loving me and guiding me. Even though you are no longer here with me I can still feel your love guiding me. You are always in my heart. I love you and miss you dearly.
Cheryl Holman says
March 24, 2025 at 5:21 pmI pray God’s love, peace, comfort, and presence be with you, Nartasha, and your family during this most difficult time! Love you much!💔🙏🏿❤️🙏🏿❤️
Dr. Marlene Studivant-Moore says
March 24, 2025 at 7:18 pmHeartfelt Condolences
Dear Family of Deneice Lee,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Deneice’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to you during this difficult time.
I will never forget the joy and laughter Deneice shared, especially the fun she and my brother Joe had at their class reunion. Those memories are a testament to the light she brought into the lives of so many.
May you find comfort in the love of family and friends and the cherished moments you shared with her. Rest in Heaven, Deneice.
With deepest sympathy,
Dr. Marlene Studivant Moore, Joann Hunt, Lisa McKoy
Rev. Donald Adams (Brother) says
March 24, 2025 at 9:09 pmMY HEART IS SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF MY DEAR SISTER DENIECE…YET FILLED WITH GREAT JOY FOR THE SOUL SHE WAS! I GIVE GOD GLORY FOR JANUARY 31, 2025, WHEN HE LAID UPON MY HEART TO CALL HER AFTER HAVING A HAPPY DREAM WITH THE TWO OF US JUST ENJOYING EACH OTHERS COMPANY! I MUST SAY THERE ARE NOT MANY PEOPLE LIKE DENIECE, WHO WOULD GIVE OF HER MANY GIFTS AND TALENTS TO US ALL! I REMEMBER HER SHARING HER FAITH, WHILE COOKING OR BAKING THOSE DELICIOUS CAKES! SHE BLESSED ME JUST A FEW YEARS AGO, WHEN SHE BAKED MY 60TH BIRTHDAY CAKE, WITH MY FAVORITE FLAVOR… PINEAPPLE COCONUT! I FIRST MET DENIECE AND HER SISTER BACK IN 1979, THROUGH THEIR AUNT REBA! AS THE YEARS ROLLED ALONG I MET MR. ALVIN AND MS. MAYBELLE…. THEN ARTHUR, NATARSHA AND JUMA, AND FINALLY ALFREADA
…AND THEY ALL TOOK ME AS FAMILY!
THE LOVES OF HER LIFE WERE HER CHILDREN… WHOM SHE WAS SO PROUD OF! EVEN ON OUR LAST TALK, I COULD HEAR THE JOY IN HER VOICE AT THE MENTION OF HER NAMES, ALONG WITH HER GRANDDAUGHTER BRI! I’M SORRY I WON’T BE ABLE TO BE THERE TO SAY “FAREWELL SISTER” AS I HAD BOOKED A TRIP DOWN TO THE AREA FOR THE NEXT WEEK… BUT I SEND MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS TO THE FAMILY AND REFER THEM TO PHILIPPIANS 4:7 TO TAP INTO THE PEACE OF GOD, TO KEEP YOU THROUGH THIS BITTERSWEET SEASON OF YOUR LIVES!
WITH LOVE!
UNCLE DONALD NYC
Dr. Vivian Rogers says
March 25, 2025 at 11:45 amNatarsha and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Know that the Word of God in Psalm 3:3 is truth. ” But thou Oh Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter up of mine head”. Rejoice as you remember what a beautiful testimony Ms. Deneice provides in trusting God completely. May the peace of the Lord be yours today and always!
Love,
Dean Rogers
Meisha Hart says
March 26, 2025 at 3:36 amTo Jamal and Natasha
You are in my thoughts and prayers during your time of bereavement. Your mom was a wonderful person I have so many good memories of her. May the Lord bless you and keep you always. Love always
Meisha
Towanda Johnson & Family says
March 27, 2025 at 8:55 amWe send our sincerest condolences & prayers. Your mom’s legacy lives on through you. May the love & guidance she shared with you all give you comfort during this difficult season. We love you.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Michele Powell says
March 27, 2025 at 6:34 pmWarm thoughts permeate my heart when Sister Denise comes to mind. She was indeed one of a kind. She knew how to show love and concern for me at all times, especially when I was in need.
If you ever wanted something done out of love and filled with excellence and creativity Denise Lee was the one.
May the love of God keep you (His children and her children) engulfed in His peace. To all who loved her, treasure the memories as you think on what is good, honest and true which are inclusive of the good times spent with the greatest mom, sister, auntie, and friend who spent time with us on this side of heaven.
Sister Lee, I’ll see you in the morning.
Michele Powell
Beverly Credle says
April 1, 2025 at 11:04 amMy heart is saddened at the loss of you. Always truly kind and nurturing and ready to give a hand and a kind word. God’s blessings to the family. You will be missed.