Mrs. Laura Hayes Lee, age 73, passed away Oct. 13, 2022, at her home in Marietta, Ga. She was born Aug. 14, 1949, in Toccoa, Ga. She was the daughter of the late Mary McDaniel Hayes and Hoke Smith Hayes.
For several years she fought a courageous battle against multiple health issues with a quiet grace, dignity, and faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Laura grew up on a dairy farm in Eastanollee, Ga. At the age of six she chose her life’s vocation of teaching. As she got older, she decided she wanted to teach specifically in Metro Atlanta, Ga. She obtained an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Shorter College in Rome, Ga., followed by a master’s degree in Special Education from The University of Georgia in Athens, Ga.
Laura enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling thirty-year career in education. She began with fourteen years in Primary Special Education and finished her career teaching 3rd grade Regular Education. She eventually retired from Cobb County Schools.
Laura had a wide range of interests. Her favorite things to do for enjoyment and relaxation included reading novels and playing the piano. Music was always a part of her life. This included her love of the “Oldies,” George Gershwin, and playing handbells at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. Doing crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy were two constant joys for her. Playing Rummikub with her friends was a weekly highlight during her retirement years in Sky Valley, Ga. She also enjoyed the opportunity to deliver Meals on Wheels in Cobb and Rabun counties. Laura always loved meeting so many wonderful people along the way. She became a big time Atlanta Braves fan with the encouragement from her husband and two sons. That being the case, Laura enjoyed telling stories of hitting home runs on her elementary school playground. Over time, and with good natured embellishment from her family, the total of those home runs came to nearly exceed those hit by Hank Aaron.
Laura is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Al Lee; sons Andrew Lee (Laura) of San Diego, Calif., Tyler Lee (Lauren) and baby grandson Fallon Hayes Lee of Smyrna, Ga.; step-daughters Kelli Patterson of Dunn, N.C., Emily Powell of West Monroe, La., step-son Griffin (Lindsey) of Geneva, Ill.; step-grandchildren Amara Powell (Reese), Riley Patterson (Haley), Mia Powell (Chris), Jules Powell, Raegan Lee, Griffin Lee; step great grandchildren Cruz Chilton, Walker Wall. She is also survived by her brother Alison Hayes (Nancy) of Winder, Ga., sister Anne Caudell (Sam) of Eastanollee, Ga., and brother Ashley Hayes (Judy) of Eastanollee, Ga.: and many nieces and nephews.
Her graveside service and burial will be at Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery (2894 Liberty Hill Road, Eastanollee, GA 30538), and officiated by Pastor Kevin Hurt at 1 p.m., Oct. 23, 2022. Following her graveside service, a reception will be held at Ann and Sam Caudell’s home in Eastanollee.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Chapel. A reception immediately following will be held in the JFBC Fellowship Hall (955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30068) at 11 a.m., Oct. 24, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Leukemia Research. https://together.emory.edu/give, search Leukemia.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net
Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Laura Hayes Lee.
The Clayton Tribune
October 20, 2022