Mary Lena Weems also known as “Mother”, “Mary”, “Mimi”, and “Doll” was born in McDonough, Georgia, to Andrew and Millie Belle Weems on February 18, 1920. Her parents moved to Akron, Ohio when she was 2 years old and she has been a resident of Summit County for 104 years. Mary graduated from West High School in 1938 and at her last class reunion she received the award for Ms. Congeniality at the Women’s City Club. Shortly after high school Mary married Willie James Lee Sr. who served in World War II in the United States Army and played semi- professional football for the South Akron Awnings. They were married for 57 years and within this union 5 children were born; Willie, Marva, Brenda, Sylvia, and Douglas. Recently, all five of her children attended her 106th birthday celebration which was phenomenal.

Mary Lee was a crossing guard for the Akron Public Schools and sang with the “Mother Singers” at Byran Elementary School. She supported all 5 of her children during their school years. In the 1960’s she was the secretary at the YMCA on High Street and worked at the voting booths during election time, knowing how important it was to be involved with her local community. At the young age of 12, a very talented Mary played the piano for the senior choir at Antioch Baptist Church on Wooster Ave. She also had the opportunity to sing on the Johnny Meadow’s radio show and played the piano for many years for Centenary United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed singing and playing in the Chancellor choir. Mary sang with the Gospel Meets Symphony concert at the EJ Thomas Performance Arts Center. She was on the committee for Centenary’s annual Hat Show, which held its first show at the Akron Community Service Center. Years later she became so popular that her performance was moved to the Tangier’s ballroom.

At age 11 Mary joined Centenary United Methodist Church. She has been a member of this church for 90 years. Mary was a longtime member of the Ed Davis Community Center (Silverettes) and performed at various occasions. She also belongs to the “Gold Star Wives” organization due to her late husband Willie being an Army Veteran.

Mary attributes her longevity to having a loving family, unwavering faith in GOD and remaining physically active for over 65 years. This would include walking the trails at Canal Park, walking laps at Lane Field and at the University of Akron indoor and outdoor track. Mary was very active by doing daily stretching exercises in bed, chair exercises and walking laps in her living and dining room.

Mary Lena Lee is loved by so many family, friends, and neighbors. She always shared her wisdom, love, grace and humor with those around her. She had a radiant and angelic spirit and treated everyone like an old friend. Here’s to honoring you Mary with admiration, love, and for enriching the lives of so many people.

Mary was preceded in death by parents Andrew and Lillie Bell Weems, sisters Ruth (Moses) Fort, and Dorothy (Leonard) Milliner. She is survived by sons Willie James Lee Jr. and Douglas Lee, daughters Marva Fletcher, Brenda McKnight, Sylvia Baxter, and Brother-In-Law Kenneth R(Beverly) Lee. Mary was the elegant matriarch of 6 living generations including 14 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 18 great, great grandchildren and 1 great, great, great grandchild. What a rare and unique accomplishment.