August 15, 1941 ~ February 10, 2023 (age 81)
Elder Mr. John Wesley Lee, Sr., 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother and friend, departed this life peacefully early Friday morning, February 10, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
John Wesley was born in Statesboro, Georgia on August 15, 1941, to the union of O.C. and Ethel Mae (Holloway) Lee, who preceded him in death. John Wesley, affectionately known as Johnny, Big John, Daddy and PaPa, graduated from William James High School in 1960. Shortly after, Johnny migrated to South Bend, Indiana from the south with his cousin Eugene Williams in search of better opportunities. Once here, he met and married the love of his life, Johnnie Mae McCoy on November 10, 1962. They were married for 45 wonderful years, until she preceded him in death. He was a faithful employee of Killilea Oldsmobile, Torrington, Uniroyal, Lock Joint Tube and the South Bend Housing Authority, retiring completely in 2001. Johnny was a hard working man who took pride in taking care of his family, most of the time working two jobs at one time to ensure his wife and children had everything they needed. Johnny was a diligent, hard working member of Kingdom Christian Center. He was a God fearing man who loved to sing praises to the Lord, his favorite song being “You Ought to Take the Time Out to Praise the Lord”. John Wesley And Johnnie Mae Lee were the founders of Kingdom Christian Center. They truly blazed a trail that will be carried on by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Loving family members who survive include his five children, Tina Williams, John Wesley, Jr. (Eric), Wesley (Arnez), Canneth (Charisse) and Mia Lee all of South Bend; 16 grandchildren, Ashley, Anthon, Brittney, Jalana, Keishanda, Lillian, Brian, Andrea, Jalen, Amaani, Jayce, Caylyn, Chase, Adrian, Tyler, and Braylon; 18 great grandchildren; one brother, Izell (Johnnie Pearl); two sisters, Mary Ethel Bradley and Mildred Allen all of Statesboro, Georgia; two brothers in law, Albert (Denise) McCoy of Flint Michigan and Jimmy (Ann) McCoy of Cleveland, Ohio; two sisters in law, Shirley Roe of South Bend and Leona McCoy of Dallas, Texas; special cousin, Ida Wigfall of South Bend; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife Johnnie Mae Lee, daughter Yvonne Tanette Lee, sister Gladys Brown and brother in law Dee Thomas McCoy. Daddy will be remembered for his love of Christ and family, his outlandishly funny jokes and beautiful smile.
Services honoring the life, love, labor, and legacy of Elder Lee will be held on Saturday February 18, 2023; 11 A.M at Faith Alive Ministries, 909 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana 46628. Pastor Jonathan “YPJ” Miller will officiate the service and Pastor Canneth Lee will bring the word. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted with Alford’s Mortuary Inc.
Courtesy announcement of Craig R. Tremble Funeral Home
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