Sunrise : January 7, 1949

Sunset: June 16, 2024

Sandra Lee was born on January 7, 1949 in Sylacauga, Alabama. She was the daughter of the late Charles D. Oden and Thelma E. Oden. Sandra was raised in Auburn, Alabama by Velma and Dewey Bedell.

Sandra's love for the arts was a defining aspect of her personality, and she found solace and joy in the family farm, where she would play with the animals. Her fond memories included the time spent at her Uncle Dewey's family grocery store, known as Britton Drakes Grocery, which was a source of joy and connection for her. Sandra's diverse interests were evident in her high school life, where she was not just a majorette and debutant but also a member of the school swimming team. These early experiences shaped her into the loving and vibrant woman she became.

Significant milestones adorned Mrs. Lee's educational journey. She graduated from Drake High School in June 1966. She continued her pursuit of knowledge at an HBCU, Mississippi Valley State University, and the prestigious Ivy League Dartmouth University in New Hampshire as a fine arts major. Her intellectual pursuits led her to Roselle, New Jersey, where she met her late husband, Willie J. Lee Sr., and they were united in marriage on April 20, 1974. They remained together until his passing in 2011. Sandra's professional life was marked by her role as a nurse's aide at Elmora Hills Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. She later retired to embrace her role as a devoted grandmother. Her spiritual journey began at an early age when she joined Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Auburn, AL. After moving to New Jersey, Sandra became a member of the Apostolic Outreach Assembly in Linden, NJ, where she served as a missionary. She later joined the Bethesda French Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Roselle, NJ.

She passed away on June 16, 2024, in Camden, N.J. Her kindness and compassion will forever be cherished and remembered. Sandra's love for her family was the foundation of her life.

She was predeceased by her siblings: Tommy S. Oden, Charles D. Oden Jr., Albert D. Oden, Gary E. Oden, Doris Oden-seals, Brenda Johnson, Caroln Oden, and granddaughter Rah-zhane Lee.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Sandra was a devoted mother to three sons, Daniel C. Oden of Vineland, NJ; Willie J Lee Jr., of Irvington, NJ; David B. Lee of Atlantic City, NJ; daughter Kendra Lee- Carey of Roselle, NJ, and stepdaughter Geneva Brockington of Elizabeth, NJ. Her heart was filled with joy by her grandchildren Denita Floyd (Anthony Floyd), Denasia Wright, Kendra Carey, Kionni Carey, Tyler Zocchi, Jordan Lee, and Demi Lee. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren Kamilla Gass, Camai Floyd, and Kai Floyd. God Daughters Tawanda Squire (Newark, NJ), LaShanda Tutu (Rahway, NJ), and Brianna Becton (Linden, NJ). She also leaves behind her sister Marian Calloway of Auburn, AL., her brothers; Willie B. Oden of Huntsville, AL and Bobby L. Oden of Childersburg, Al., along with a host of extended family and friends, a testament to her strong bonds and loving nature.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Gayle Squire officiating. Family and friends will be received on Saturday from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, prior to the service. Interment will be private.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.