Tommie Ann Day Lee, 89, of Monroe, Louisiana passed away on August 28, 2023. A service celebrating Tommie’s life will be Saturday, September 2, 2023 at noon at North Monroe Baptist Church West Venue. This service will be live-streamed on the North Monroe Baptist Church Facebook page. Visitation will precede the service at 11:00. A private burial will be at 10:00.
Tommie was born to Clayton Edward Day and Mabel Pardue Day of Union Parish on October 14, 1933. She was the youngest of six children. Tommie graduated from Linville High School where she played on the basketball team, the 1948 state champions. After graduation she attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana for one year and then transferred to Northeast Louisiana State College (NLSC, now ULM) where in 1953 she received a degree in elementary education.
At NLSC, Tommie was elected Homecoming Queen. It was here where Tommie met and fell in love with a handsome, young football player from Oak Grove, Louisiana, William “Bill” Lee. In 1953 Tommie and Bill were married and began their lives together in Monroe. Over the years, they were blessed with five sons. Tommie spent most of those early years in Monroe raising her boys and teaching gifted students at Crosley Elementary.
Tommie and Bill moved to Slidell, Louisiana in 1969 where Tommie taught at Florida Avenue Elementary School. As a member of First Baptist Church, she was instrumental in establishing the church library. Encouraging young people to read and use the library gave Tommie great joy. She shared her gifts and talents in every church where she was a member.
In 1975 Tommie and Bill returned to Monroe where Tommie began a second career as a successful businesswoman. As co-owner of Kid Stuff and later owner of The Baby Room and Kids Too, she helped dress and furnish the nurseries of many children, including her own grandchildren. Tommie was fond of gardening; her yard bloomed beautifully with transplanted heirloom roses from her mother and sisters. In recent months as a resident of Gardens at Somerset, she grew zinnias in large outdoor pots with the help of a friend. Her daughters-in-law never visited without her insisting they cut a bouquet to take home.
Tommie was most proud of her five sons. She delighted in nothing more than spending time with them and their families where meals took center stage. Tommie wanted to serve everyone’s favorite dish, and she wanted everyone gathered around the same table. There was always plenty even if an unexpected friend or two stopped by. Her grandchildren cherish the memory of helping Honey bake biscuits on Saturday mornings and decorating ginger bread at Christmas.
One of the most difficult challenges Tommie and Bill faced was the loss of their son Barry Alan. Tommie followed Barry’s acting career as any devoted mother would. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling to see him perform. In May of this year Tommie experienced a second great loss, that of her husband of 69 years. In her final days and weeks Tommie became a great example for both her family and friends in how she persevered, fighting for joy and happiness even after the most devastating losses.
Tommie was preceded in death by her parents; brother Raymond; sisters Ione, Imogene, and Marguerite; her son Barry; her grandsons William Faser and Thomas Clayton; her great-granddaughter Dakota, and her beloved husband Bill.
To cherish her memory, Tommie leaves her son Bill Lee, Jr., of Jackson, Mississippi; Tony Lee (Bambi) of Shreveport, Louisiana; Clay Lee (Bonnie) of Belton, Texas; Chris Lee (Amy) of Lafayette, Louisiana; six grandchildren, Hannah Lee Camicia (Conor) of Brooklyn, New York; Alex Lee of San Antonio, Texas; Madison Lee (Mary) of Nashville, Tennessee; Walker Lee of Sea Grove, Florida; Christopher and Thomas Lee of Lafayette, Louisiana; five great grandchildren, and her brother Milas.
Honorary pallbearers are Tommie’s sons, grandsons, granddaughter, and Terry Williams.
The family is grateful to the staff of Gardens of Somerset, Dr. Kerry Anders, Arabia Stephenson, Amy Estep, and the many friends and family who supported and encouraged her in recent months.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to North Monroe Baptist Church or the charity of one’s choice.

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