CLARA BENSON LEE

Mrs Clara Benson Lee, a resident of Andalusia, passed away Feb 25, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Fri., March 2, 2018, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 15947 US Highway 29, Andalusia, Al 36420

She was known by her family and dear friends as “Baby sister!” She left behind what some has termed a solid spiritual legacy, one that is worthy to be remembered, cherished and embraced! She dearly loved God, Jehovah, her dear husband of 65 years, D.C. Lee, and her family and friends.

She was born to the late Lehman and Ella Benson of Camp Hill, Ala., on Oct. 11, 1931. A new and surprising development occurred on April 9, 1953, when she had met D.C. Lee and became life-long friends as they embarked on the journey of matrimony. Their surviving children are Betty Braziel (Andre) of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Joseph Benson (Brenda) of Milton, Fla., Charles Lee (Wanda) of Robertsdale, Edna Bivens (Robert) of Dothan, Tony Lee of Andalusia, Robert Lee (Ellee) of Bay Minette, Lehman Lee (Lorraine) of Andalusia, Eric Lee (Edwina) of Andalusia and Dexter Lee (Sabrina) of Andalusia. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. She is also survived by five of her eight siblings, Geraldine Smith, Maple Richardson, George Benson, James Benson and Willie Benson. Siblings who preceded her in death are Lehman Benson II, Katherine McCollom and David Benson.

She was a very compassionate, kind and loving person. She was approachable and many consulted her for advice. She was a good listener. Another notable development occurred in her life when she began a more thorough examination of the Bible with the aid of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This was a major turning point in her life. She began sharing her new-found beliefs with others. She was later baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 11, 1967. Later D.C. Lee began to appreciate the value of the Bible and he too was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

This remarkable spiritual legacy she left behind was not interrupted when she suffered a stroke in 1991, no, far from it! She would “hobble” to the doors with her walker aided by friends and spread the message of salvation. On certain days she would travel to Florala and spend most of the day teaching people about Jehovah and his righteous principles. When she could “hobble” no more she would have ones to drive her in the public ministry and she would share the Bible with people from the seat of the vehicle!

Often, she would have her children and grandchildren read the Bible to her. She would say “Baby, it’s time to read the Bible.” If they missed one word, phrase or passed over a comma, she would say: “Baby, start back at verse one, we have to read Jehovah’s word right, ok?”

She had many other accomplishments in her life as well. Years ago, she would invite the entire congregation, every Sunday, over for Butter Pecan Cake or the “D.C. Lee Special,” which meant homemade ice cream. Everyone played basketball or softball for the rest of the evening.

She worked at Alatex for many years to support her family. She was featured in JET Magazine for her accomplishment as a mid-wife for delivering more than 250 babies. She had a heart of gold and would have given anyone her last. She even listened to her services via conference when she was bed-ridden.

Those who wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers your donation should be made out to “Jehovah’s Witnesses” and mailed to Mark Cassidy, 702 6th Ave., Andalusia, AL 36420.