Warren Lee, 92 went to his heavenly home on May 26, 2019.
He was born in Essex County, Va. He was the third born of seven sons to Warren Sr. and Ida B. Holmes-Lee. He lived in Supply, Va for the early stages of his life and opted to leave the “country” for Washington D.C.
“Goody” as he was affectionally called was a proud southerner. He eventually joined the U.S. Army, honorably served in World War II and received the following medals: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, Army of Occupation and World War II Victory.
Upon leaving the army he moved to New Haven, Connecticut and met his bride of 65 years – Hazel Virginia Lopes. Manuel and Virginia Lopes welcomed Warren Lee into their family where he became another son. He enjoyed the love and warmth of the Lopes family and subsequently converted to Catholicism.
Warren and Hazel’s bond was special. Their conference and counsel over raising their children grew and supported their mutual love. It was a source of inspiration to their family and all who witnessed it. As they grew old, they found balance with the support of their community: the Veterans Administration, Yale Medical Group, Agency on Aging and Navarino Property Management.
The spiritual support and community of St. Martin’s DePorres Church is a blessing. As parents, they directed a spirit-filled upbringing for their family that endures. Warren and Hazel started their family and these five children, twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and, four great-great-grandchildren were a joy to him. He was a devoted family man and took great pleasure in spending time with his extended family including beloved nephews and nieces. The family station wagon took many a trip with the kids in tow. The family resided in the Dwight Co-op Homes. In the co-op, Mr. Lee became a father figure to many and to this day many remember his commanding voice and oversight.
As a staunch supporter of education, Warren worked several jobs including the managerial team at Consolidated Laundries for 20-plus years to ensure that his children had a quality education. His children and grandchildren obtained undergraduate degrees at Bennett College, California Institute of the Arts, Gateway Community College, Hampton University, Howard University (four graduates) and Spelman College. Graduate degrees obtained at Emory University, New York University, University of Wisconsin Madison and a juris doctorate from Hastings College of the Law. He loved to boast of his family accomplishments in academia, civil service, small business, healthcare, nonprofit and was especially proud of Tanaysia his great-granddaughter graduated from nursing school on May 23.
He was an avid football fan and rooted for his New York Giants through thick and thin. Warren was known for his quick wit, sharp tongue and wicked sense of humor. Family and friends would wait in anticipation of the zinger followed by raucous laughter.
The secret to his longevity was to stay active and to that end opted to become a taxi driver after his official retirement. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the drivers and customers alike. He leaves to mourn, his wife Hazel Lee, sons Warren Lee III (Cheryl) and Timothy Lee., daughters Wendy Lee Brown and Virginia (Ebrahima). His daughter Teresa Brown predeceases him.
Grandchildren: Kyle Lee, Danielle Brown, Timothy Lee Jr., Robin Lee McCarthy (John), Lorin Brown, Erica Lee, Rachel Brown, Allyce Lee, Theodore Lee, Ancha Barry, Pamodou Barry and Ramatoulie Barry. Great grandchildren: Tanaysia Brown, Jaivon Brown, Jordan Lee, Azalea Brown, Journee Brown, Quin McCarthy and Nyla McCarthy. Great-great children: Craig, Malahki, Cameron and Messiah Bostic.
Beloved sisters-in-law Carmelita Lopes, Carol Lopes, and Gertrude Lopes along with a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of his life will take place Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres Church, 136 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Saturday at the church from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Interment will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Lee family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com