Mary L. Mcbee

Mrs. Mary “ML” Lee McBee, age 85, of Athens, TN, passed Monday, August 31, 2015. She was born May 25, 1930, in Winston Salem, North Carolina to the late Leroy and Ruth Armstrong. ML was raised from an early age by her uncle Wilfred and aunt Helen Armstrong. She consistently surrounded herself with the Word of God and her family with laughter in her voice and a sparkle in her eyes at all times. An exceptional mother, grandmother, and friend, Mary was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. Over the years, she developed many talents: dancing, sewing, carpentry, finishing concrete with her husband, Babe Boy, and was always open to learning much more. If you saw her outside, she usually in her flower beds or in the garden. She was also a sports fan and enjoyed watching Tennessee Volunteers football and basketball games on tv while on the phone with her close friend, Mrs. Lorene Porter.

Mary had an unwavering faith in God. She was a dedicated member of The First United Presbyterian Church of Athens, TN. Mary was well-loved and respected by many. She loved to be surrounded by her family and friends. Mary was always a hard worker and retired from Thomas and Betts after 26 years of service.
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, William (Babe Boy) McBee. For many years, as a couple, they acquired self-employed businesses, such as a restaurant, pool hall, and concrete business. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Leroy and Ruth Armstrong. She was also preceded in death by her grandmother, Blanche Parker, her uncle Wilfred (Slim) and aunt Helen Armstrong, sister, Annie Mae Mittman, aunt Lula Davis, and uncle Paul (Joby) Armstrong.
Survivors include her son, William Roy McBee, Jr. of Athens, Tennessee, daughter, Linda McBee Leverett of Louisville, KY, and son, Barry M. McBee of Louisville, KY. Brother-in-law, Weldon (Sug) McBee and sisters-in-law, Grace McBee and Marjorie McBee. 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 9, 2015, 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Hammonds Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service from 12:00 noon until 1:00p.m..