Ophelia Lee

Ophelia Lee was born February 24, 1944 to Dennis and Ophelia Lesley in Danville Virginia. She was the fourth of eleven children born to that union. After her parents moved to Chicago in the late 1940’s, she attended Edwards Elementary School, Kelly High School and graduated from Wells High School. Ophelia also attended Kennedy-King College focusing her post-secondary education on Child Development and Early Childhood Education. Ophelia, affectionately known as “Tootie” took advantage of a variety of employment opportunities and volunteered her services at various charitable organizations including but not limited to Digby’s Security, Lighthouse for The Blind, and the University of Illinois Oncology Center. Education was and still is a top priority in Ophelia’s family. She always encouraged each individual she met to excel in school and prepare for future career endeavors. Many have succeeded to her delight. Ophelia gave her life to the Lord at an early age having attended Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Danville Virginia and continuing as an adult at South Park Baptist Church in Chicago. She was a true servant of the Lord, always placing others needs and concerns before hers. Ophelia was a loyal church member as an active participant on the E.R. Williams Missionary Board, the Mothers Board, Ushers Board, Bible Camp for Children, Nurses Board, and Outreach Ministry. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. Ophelia and her parents played a significant role in caring for her sister’s daughter Joan and Joan’s sons Deamone and Devon after the death of her sister Lillian. If you ever wanted to see an instant smile or hear laughter from Ophelia, all you needed to do is say something nice about her family, friends, church members or give praise to our Lord. Ophelia was strong willed, a fierce defender of her family and would protect all who were a part of her fantastic life. She was a true saint of God. Ophelia departed this life on January 13th, 2024, at 6:14 P.M. surrounded by her loving family. Ophelia was preceded in death by her parents Dennis and Ophelia, a daughter Carrie, two sisters Lillian Thompkins, Joan Lesley, two brothers John W. Lesley Sr. and Robert Y. Lesley. She leaves to cherish her loving memories five children; Gregory W. Lesley (Angela), Joseph W. Lee III, Mary T. Cruz (Dwayne), Josephine M. Cruz, and Juan A. Cruz (Omega), four brothers; Dennis A. Lesley Jr., James L. Lesley, Charles W. Lesley (Linda), Donald E. Lesley (Rhonda), two sisters; Loretta A. Lesley, and Nadine M. Copeland (James), a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

Ophelia Lee

February 24, 1944 - January 13, 2024