Patricia Ann Dawson Lee, PhD was born in Selma, Alabama on February 23, 1940, to the late Ike Dawson and Modest C. (Henderson) Bell. A devoted wife, mother, sister and educator, she departed this life peacefully on September 13, 2026.

Dr. Lee confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Heaven Baptist Church under the pastorate of her maternal uncle, the late Rev. B.F. Henderson. She later joined Wesley Temple AME Zion Church during the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr. Eugene E. Morgan where she maintained an active membership until her passing.

Patricia married her college sweetheart, Climon Lee III, PhD in 1963, and to their union was born a daughter, Rosalyn, and a son Climon Lee IV. A woman of deep faith, she raised their children at Wesley Temple AME Zion Church. Her love of music led her to sing in the Chancel Choir and subsequently she served as interim musician for the Gospel Choir. Additionally, Pat, as she was affectionately known, worked with the church After School Tutoring Program. In 2017, Pat was consecrated as a Deaconess, where she served until her passing.

She attended Akron Public Schools and the University of Akron, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, a master’s degree and a PhD. Pat taught at the primary and elementary levels in the Akron Public Schools. She interrupted her teaching career to join her husband in Germany during his deployment as a 2nd lieutenant in the U. S. Army. While overseas, she taught the children of U.S. military personnel at schools in Germany.

Upon her return to the United States, Pat was promoted to the position of Curriculum Specialist for the intermediate grades. In that position, she created and supervised the ReadOhio literacy program. She devoted 42 years to educating and shaping the lives of generations of students.

In 1959, Pat initiated the chartering of the first sorority for Black women on the campus of the University of Akron. She was one of 10 women who became Charter members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Delta Pi Chapter on April 15, 1961.

A Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Pat was a member of Zeta Theta Omega Chapter in Akron and served two terms as President, Vice President and Graduate Advisor to Delta Pi Chapter. She was also President of the Pearl Foundation and served as chairman of the Ebony Fashion Fair. In 2026, she earned the milestone distinction of Pearl status with more than 65 years of Sorority membership. One of her proudest moments was welcoming her only daughter, Rosalyn, into the Sorority as her Legacy in 1991.

Pat was also a Charter member of the National Museum of African American History & Culture, a Life member of Ohio PTA, a member of Leadership Akron, and the NAACP. She belonged to several civic and professional organizations including, the Joining Hands, Joining Voices Steering Committee, and Federated Democratic Women of Summit County.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Pat cherished her roles as a wife, mother and Grammy. She especially loved bringing her family together for dinners and was known for her famously delicious sweet potato pie. She often kept a pie in the freezer, ready to surprise a guest with a slice. Music was also a source of joy throughout her life, and she enjoyed playing the piano both at home and at church.

Petite, stylish and the epitome of grace, Pat was the consummate lady. She carried herself with quiet elegance and was always soft-spoken, but when Pat had something to say, she was heard. She never needed to command a room to have a presence in it. Her strength was quiet, her gentle manner, and her grace unmistakable. She left an indelible mark on our lives, and her presence will be forever missed.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her only granddaughter, Marissa A. Norwood.

She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life her husband of 63 years Climon Lee III, PhD; daughter, Rosalyn M. Lee; son, Climon Lee IV (Connie); stepdaughter, Melanie L. Burney (Jeffrey); stepsisters, Doris Dawson Brown, and Anna Mary Dawson White; stepbrothers, James Dawson, and Harold Dawson; sisters-in-law, Magnolia Hill (Carlton), Lillian Carroll, Dorothy McEwen (Kenneth) and Frances Findley (Conwell); brothers-in-law, Alvin David Lee and Henry Lee (Barbara); cousins: Martha Ware, Mary Alice Moore, Dorothy Brown, Verona Morgan, Linda Hudson, and Ernestine English, and a host of other relatives, friends and sorority sisters who will miss her dearly.