by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Vincent B. Lee, husband of former Tri-State Defender employee, Velver Lee, lost a valiant fight with cancer early Sunday morning, February 25th.
He was born into humble beginnings in Memphis, July 29, 1964. However, Lee was enjoying great success in business with his Service Master Facilities Maintenance enterprise when he was diagnosed with cancer. Lee was administered chemotherapy treatments up to the time of his death.
But even as he suffered, he was thinking about others who were impoverished and trying to battle the disease with very few resources, said his wife, Velver.
Lee and Velver launched Vincent B. Lee (WITH LOVE) to honor the spirit of service that was “always on his heart.”
“Vincent and I were blessed with every amenity we needed to fight cancer at home,” said Velver Lee. “We planned this foundation, even when Vincent was in the hospital, even while in ICU.”
They recognized the stress and strain the disease brought into a household, and wondered “how people with limited resources could fight the disease unsupported.
“Our own experience birthed the desire to serve families like ourselves even after Vincent’s transition,” she said.
Funds donated to the foundation will be used go to families fighting cancer to help address the day-to-day needs not covered by insurance, such as: lodging, parking passes, cab fare, gas, meal vouchers, toiletries, blankets, socks and healthy snacks.
Those wishing to donate should leave a post on Lee’s Facebook page, or contact New Direction for assistance.
Lee was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Visitation is set for Friday, March 2nd, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at N.J. Ford Funeral Home, 12 S. Parkway West. A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday at New Direction Christian Church, 6120 Winchester Road. A repast is scheduled at The Esplanade, 901 Cordova Station, in Cordova.
