Mr. John H. Lee

The Obituary “I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.” ~Johann Sebastian Bach John Horace Lee was born on January 22, 1934 to the late Gilbert Bernard Lee, Sr. and Nydia Allen Lee. He was the youngest of seven children; four of whom proceeded him in death (Gilbert, Beverly, Douglas, Delores). John transitioned from this life December 19, 2014 surrounded by family and loved ones. Early on in life, John seemed destined for greatness in the realm of music because he started playing the piano by ear at the ripe age of six. Inspired by his mother and sister who both played piano, John took lessons from two local musicians Mrs. Elizabeth Moore and Mrs. Florence Edwards. John accepted the Lord as his Savior at the age of seven and joined Mt. Nebo Baptist Church of West Point, Va. Throughout their childhood, John and his siblings were very active in the church. The church had a major influence in his life and he later went on to become Minister of Music for Mt. Nebo and served in that capacity for over 50 years. John graduated from the Beverly Allen High School, named in memory of his paternal grandparents Beverly and Alice Allen, who were strong promoters of education in the town of West Point. While attending Beverly Allen, John used his piano talents to play for many upperclassmen concerts and school events. After graduating from high school, he went on to receive his BS degree in Music from the then Virginia State College (University). While an undergraduate at VSC, John’s alma mater, Beverly Allen School, was closed due to segregation. John came back home and began teaching the African-American students during the summer months. This undertaking was short-lived because John was not a licensed teacher nor did the authorities want a successful African-American educational program in West Point. John appeared on “Stars of Tomorrow” Talent Program and was one of the accompanists for the college choir concerts during his educational years at VSC. Being the advocate for education that he is, he then went on to study at Columbia University and became the first African American from West Point to receive a degree from an Ivy League School. John received his MA in Music Education from Columbia as well and received a certificate in Secondary School Administration from the College of William and Mary. In 1956, John started teaching at Central High School in King & Queen Virginia. Early in his teaching career, he was drafted and served his country as a PFC in the Army for two years. Upon completing his duty and receiving an honorable discharge, John briefly taught in Pennsylvania at the Downingtown Industrial Institute. Even though he was away from Central, John left such a major impression on them that, then principal and mentor to John, Mr. Gordon Robinson called him to return to Central High School. Returning to Central, Mr. Lee, as his students continue to call him, began right away in building and growing the music program. Mr. Lee spent countless hours in school and out to ensure that his students received the best education and experiences. Under his direction, Central High School produced countless amounts of award winning performances and programs for the community to enjoy. Later in his career at Central, Mr. Lee became assistant, then acting Principal. Mr. Lee served Central High School for 40 years before his retirement. It may seem that John was busy enough teaching and maintaining a high school, but that was just a piece of the big picture. John also became an adjunct faculty instructor for the music department of Virginia Union University. John believed in utilizing his talents and that showed as he was musician for the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Choirs, the West Point Community Choir, the Baptist General Convention, the James City Training School Alumni, the “Celebration Choir” of Second Baptist Church of Richmond, VA for their Easter Sunrise Service and many other churches and organizations. John was in such high demand that he was a member of the American Guild of Organist, the National Educators Association, Virginia Retired Teachers Association, VSU Alumni Association, NAACP, Hampton University Choral Guild, Arts Alive and Phi Delta Kappa International amongst many other organizations. John also received numerous awards and certificates throughout his impressive musical career. John took pride in the choirs of Mt. Nebo especially in preparation for the Homecoming Mass Choir. His favorite hymn was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and favorite scripture was the 27th Psalm. His favorite motto was “If I can help somebody…” John was a God- fearing man and loved to serve his church and community. Aside from a rigorous music career, John lived a highly active life. He loved to take walks in the morning around town and meeting up with his tennis buddies to get a match or two in at West Point High School. John also had a unique bowling style which came naturally from his “lefty hook.” When missing from around town, John could be found running the ping pong table at his brother Ralph’s house taking on any and all challengers. John was an advocate of family and history. He was instrumental in organizing family reunions and “family fun days” because he felt that family is one of the most important structures of life. The biggest role that John filled in his personal life was the Best Uncle to his nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews as well as community children. He did anything and everything in his power to help them succeed and have fulfilling lives. John had a sense of humor and quick wit that could not be matched. He is survived by a devoted and lifelong companion of 50 years, Ms. Constance D. Brown of Richmond, VA; one loving sister, Mrs. Alice L. Reid of West Point, VA; one loyal brother, Dr. Ralph N. Lee of Newport News, VA; two sisters-in-law, Theola Lee of Philadelphia, PA and Marinda Brown of Richmond, VA; eight nieces, Irene Wellington(Steve) of W. Sacramento, CA, Cheryl Lee of Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Maria Lee-Johnson(William), Angela Lee and Mia Dillingham(Jay) each of Newport News, VA, Linda White of West Point, VA, Maya Boston of Baltimore, MD and Maria Boston of Williamsburg, VA; ten nephews, Cleveland Lee of Philadelphia, PA, Beverly Lee, Jr. of Braddock, PA, Bernard Lee Esq.(Kathy) of Philadelphia, PA, William Lee(Linda) of Newport News, VA, Dr. Timothy Lee(Dr. Melissa), who is also his godson, of Suffolk, VA, Dr. Benjamin Lee(Dr. Nikki) of Martinsville, VA, Dr. Philip Bradley(Thasia) of West Point, VA, Dr. José Boston, Juan Boston and Wayne Stokes(Dr. LaVern) each of Baltimore, MD; a special cousin, Joe Boston of Baltimore, MD; devoted and close family members, Robin White, Brian Jamison, Lanelle Jamison, Leanne and Allen White; a Godson, Reginald Bassette II; and a host of other relatives and friends. Homegoing services for Mr. John Lee will be 11 a.m. Saturday December 27, 2014 Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3570 King William Avenue, West Point, VA. 23181. A public visitation will take place at the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church of West Point, VA Friday December 26, 2014 from 4pm-6pm with the family present to receive friends from 6pm-8pm for a formal visitation. Professional Services Entrusted to Vincent Funeral Home, Inc.

Mr. John H. Lee

January 22, 1934 - December 19, 2014