Fannie "Big Mama" Lee's Obituary
Fannie Beatrice Lee, lovingly known as "Big Mama," entered eternal peace on March 29, 2025, surrounded by her cherished family and friends at her home in Fort Worth, Texas. Born on June 29, 1931, she spent her entire life in Fort Worth, building a legacy of unwavering faith, love, and community.
As the eighth of fourteen children born to Nathaniel and Fenice Fennell, Fannie embodied a life dedicated to serving others and running for Jesus, a path she embraced from an early age. Her steadfast faith became her guiding light, inspiring all who crossed her path.
Fannie's professional journey was marked by tireless commitment and varied roles. She served as a reserve deputy with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Department, supported families at Pinkston Burial and Pre-Need, and later retired from S & M Grocery after decades of devoted service. Her journey at S & M Grocery began on September 6, 1958, where she worked six days a week, earning $38.50 weekly. Her work ethic and perseverance were a testament to her unmatched dedication.
Fannie became a devoted parishioner of The Rising Star Church of God in Christ in 1974, under the leadership of Elder RL. Macklin, taking on roles as secretary and president of the Home and Foreign Mission, reflecting her deep commitment to her faith and fellowship. Her love for Christ remained unshaken, even when circumstances prevented her from attending church in person. From the comfort of her home, she carried out fundraising efforts for the church with fervor, armed with her trusted "tribe list" and unwavering purpose.
Every morning, she rose to her alarm with devotion, joining the prayer line—a sacred tradition that anchored her day. She followed this with heartfelt phone calls to loved ones, showcasing her boundless care and compassion.
A gifted writer, Fannie considered it a sacred honor to craft resolutions for grieving families, offering them solace through her words. Her love for correspondence was evident in the letters she penned to family and friends, sent regularly as tokens of comfort, joy, and connection.
Her life stood as a testament to unyielding faith, boundless love, and the transformative power of consistent acts of kindness. Through her words, actions, and indomitable spirit, she left an indelible mark on the lives she touched.
Fannie’s generosity and wisdom earned her deep affection from the Fort Worth community and beyond. Her nurturing presence and legendary breakfast spreads remain treasured memories for those she loved and raised.
A proud graduate of the historic I.M. Terrell High School, Fannie also attended Riverside Elementary School and George Washington Carver Elementary. She shared her life with her beloved husband, Lovell Lee, and was the devoted mother of five children: Alex Wallace, Waymon Wallace, Richard Wallace, Carolyn Russell, and Floyce Lee.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lovell Lee, parents Nathaniel and Fenice Fennell, thirteen siblings, and her children Floyce Lee, Waymon Wallace, and Richard Wallace. Fannie leaves behind her children Alex (Yong Suk) Wallace of Kent, Washington, and Carolyn Russell of Fort Worth, Texas, along with a large and loving extended family that includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Big Mama’s radiant light and boundless love were gifts to all who knew her, and her absence will be profoundly felt. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and resilience lives on in the hearts of those she touched.
Acknowledgements
We are deeply grateful to everyone for their unwavering support, comforting words, and acts of kindness during this difficult time of bereavement. Our heartfelt thanks go to Elder Leonard Collins and the congregation at The Rising Star Church of God in Christ, Fort Worth, Texas, for their exceptional care and compassion. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Delta Hospice for their loving support. Finally, we extend special thanks to Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington, and NorthStar Memorial Group in Houston, Texas, whose assistance and dedication made the services possible. Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Marilynn and Nubby Lightner for their unwavering love and care—faithfully taking Big Mama to and from her appointments and ensuring she always had everything she needed.
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