Jo Ellen Lee

Jo Ellen Thompson Lee, age 85, made her heavenly journey on August 26, 2022.

She was always proud of being “an Avondale kid”. Her parents worked at Avondale Mills in Birmingham, and she lived there until she was 12 years old. The Mill had bought land and sold properties to the workers. Her daddy bought property in Morning Side Heights as it was called. The house was built of wood, but the home in love.

She was baptized at age 12 at New Prospect Church now known as First Baptist Church of Chalkville. She would sing in church with her twin brothers. She attended until her marriage in 1954. Returned 3 years later and was still a member at the time of her passing.

She was valedictorian Hewitt Trussville High School 1954. She taught kindergarten for 6 years at First Baptist Church of Chalkville and 7 years at Ruhama Baptist Church. She loved “her” children and would rejoice with their accomplishments. One story she told often was when a little girl named Regina learned to jump rope! She was so proud. She had kept a paper made by the child for every child she taught in 5 yr kindergarten and would give them that paper to them on their high school graduation. She worked in the lunchroom at Clay Elementary for 10 years-again sharing love and kindness.

She was a loving and supportive wife, Sunday School Teacher, PTA Chairman, WMU member, choir member, neighbor, and friend. Everything she did she gave her all with love and kindness.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Flora Thompson, a son, David M. Lee, and her loving spouse, of 62 ½ years, R. Olen Lee. She is survived by her daughter, Linda L Loggins (Allan); three grandchildren, David Loggins, Joe Loggins (Laura), and Amy Slawson (Bob); eight great grandchildren, Jacob, Dylan, Ben Ethan, Gabe, Anna Grace, Isaac and Stephen; two brothers, Don Thompson and Dick Thompson (Donna); a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The funeral for Jo Ellen will take place at First Baptist Church of Chalkville on Friday, September 2nd at 2:00 p.m. with visitation for family and friends held from 12:30 p.m. until time of the service. Burial will immediately follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East in Trussville.  Presenting the Eulogy and prayer by her grandsons, David and Joe Loggins and her grandson-in-law, Bob Slawson. Pastor Stan Prewitt is officiating.