Gwnell Elma Grace Lee

Sister Gwenell Elma Grace Lee, lovingly referred to as “Elma Grace” or “Grace,” was born February 3, 1938, in Ellenton, Florida, to the late Alma Ree Langston-Freeman and Alex Langston. She attended public schools in Manatee County.

Grace accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at Mount Raymond Missionary Baptist Church, Ellenton, Florida.

In December of 1957, Grace married the late Willie Lee. He joined the Air Force, and they traveled a little. In 1963, the couple and their children decided to come back to Palmetto, Florida.

Grace believed in giving from her heart. She had a loving and helpful spirit. She would buy something and give it to someone and smile saying that it was a “token of love.” Grace was always giving of herself. She believed in being God’s servant. If someone needed to go to the store or doctor or need to see someone sick, she would take them.

Grace was a faithful member of Mount Raymond FG Baptist Church. She served as greeter and was a member of the usher board. She also was a member of the Home Mission Ministry. Other activities that she enjoyed were either ushering or singing at the Ellenton family reunion. She was the Vice President of the Sunshine Club. She loved fishing, shopping, making sweet potato pies, helping with the American Cancer Society, and going to the movies. And she loved, loved, loved the Tampa Bay Rays!

Grace left for her eternal home on May 27, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Lee; son, Gary Lee; and grandchildren, Tremaine Lee and Gwenell Langhorne.

Grace leaves to cherish her wonderful and fond memories: her two daughters, Linda McCarter (David) of Palmetto and Teresa Nelson (Fred) of Jacksonville; two sons, Tony Lee (Tecompency) of Orlando and Willie Lee (Tammy) of Palmetto, all in Florida; one niece, Elder Debra Greenlee (Alfred) of Georgia; thirteen grandchildren, Michael McCarter (Alita), Michelle McCarter, Sherry Johnson (Daryl), Gregory Wilson (Latica), Dwayne Wilson (Christina), Teresa Johnson (Cali), Tiffanie Hackelbeil (Craig), Tony Lee, Jr., Alijanie Lee, Keondra Lee, Willie Lee,Jr. (Kalani), Gerald Lee (Michelle), and Tianna Robb; one grandniece and nephew, Terell Allen and Serena Langhorne; twenty-six great-grandchildren including nieces and nephews; and many, many cousins; a host of special friends; special cousin, Mildred Barton (Harold); and adopted sister, Ella Mitchell.

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