IRVINGTON—Josephine Lee Fleet “Jo Lee” Edwards of Irvington went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the age of 98.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Hill Fleet and Rubenette Lee Fleet; and her husband of 62 years, William Henry Edwards, all of Irvington. She also lost a sister, Leah Fleet Waller of Richmond; and two sisters-in-law, Suzanne Fleet and Ruthie Barry.
Jo Lee graduated valedictorian of her class at White Stone High School. She earned her bachelor’s in elementary education from Mary Washington College. She also was editor of the college newspaper, “The Bullet.” In addition, she helped establish the college’s first Honor System and served on its council. She preferred to be called a homemaker, but did teach school for many years in many different places, moving with her husband, an oil company executive, wherever he was sent.
Upon retirement to their home in Irvington, they both became active in church, community and family affairs. Jo Lee may be remembered for her devotional talks given at the women’s meetings at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock. She also headed up the Books and Coffee Hour at the Lancaster Community Library and taught the first Bible study class at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury.
Jo Lee had a great sense of humor, a deep appreciation of music, loved to sing and dance and was an avid reader. She was also an enthusiastic sports fan, remaining faithful to the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Redskins over the years.
She was devoted to her family, both immediate and extended and was always happy in the midst of their many gatherings. But above all, she loved her Lord and credited him with guiding and sustaining her throughout her long life.
She is survived by two wonderful daughters, Barbara Lee Sanford (Fred) and Judy Salomon; two brothers, Robert Hill Fleet Jr. (Virginia) and Alexander McDonald Fleet, both of Irvington; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2018, at Irvington United Methodist Church with burial immediately following at Historic Christ Church Burial Grounds.
Memorial contributions may be made to Irvington United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 178, Irvington, VA 22480.
Arrangements were handled by Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock.
