Barbara Catherine Williams Lee, 87, of Statesville, N.C., received the fullness of her reward in the world to come on December 3, 2025. Barbara was born on April 28, 1938, in Taylorsville, N.C., to the late C.F. Williams Jr. and Catherine Watts Williams. She attended Statesville Senior High School, Class of 1956, where she was the first majorette at the school. She would then attend Salem College before marrying Robert W. Lee Jr. on August 30, 1958. Barbara would become not only a mom to three boys, but then to an entire marching band as Band Mom to the Statesville Senior High School Grenadier Band.
Barbara was an avid gardener and member of The Garden Club of North Carolina, where she served in various positions including State President from 1987-1989. She was Chief Financial Officer of Accurate Fabricating Company for many years, and Office Manager at Statesville Christian School. It was at Statesville Christian School where Barbara came to be a second grandmother to many students, serving as one part unofficial guidance counselor and one part advocate for those in need. Known to play a “mean” game of Bridge, she will be remembered especially by the bridge club that she founded and where she played for 65 years.
She loved nothing more than her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, John Osborne Lee II. Left to cherish her life and witness are her husband of 67 years, Robert W. Lee Jr. of Statesville; son Robert W. Lee III and wife Sherrie of Statesville; and son Joe and wife Chris of Mooresville, North Carolina. They are joined by grandchildren, Kami Finch and husband Jon of High Point, N.C., Jennifer Lee of High Point, N.C., Robert W. Lee IV and wife Stephanie of Statesville, Katy Lee of Powhatan, Va., Scott Lee of Houston, Texas, Ben Lee and wife Alexis of Charlotte, N.C., and Claire Grube and husband Cody of Miamisburg, Ohio. Her love is magnified with her great-grandchildren, Aedan Finch, Rylan Snovell, Beau Lawson, Athena Lee, Phoenix Lee, and Calla Joe Grube. She is also remembered by her brother, John Williams of Statesville, daughter-in-law Becky Newman of Powhatan, Va., and beloved members of her extended family.
Barbara taught preschool Sunday School at Broad Street United Methodist Church for generations of children. She was passionate about Broad Street UMC and believed its best days were when children were involved in worship and fellowship. The family will celebrate a service of death and resurrection at Broad Street United Methodist Church in Statesville on December 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends following the interment. The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Lee IV, The Rev. Dr. Jason W. Harvey, The Rev. Dr. Sandy C. Gregory, and The Rev. Tracy Schumpert will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Children’s Ministry at Broad Street United Methodist Church, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, or the Garden Club of North Carolina.
The family is grateful for the service and care of Troutman Funeral Home.