Ina Faye Lee

Ina Faye Simmons Lee, 85, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016, at home with her family by her side. Visitation was held at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest, MS from 5:00 – 8:00 pm Monday January 2, 2017 with funeral services at 2:30pm Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Forest Baptist Church. Ina Faye was the beloved baby daughter of G.D. and Carrie Simmons. She was born on February 2, 1931 in the Sparksville community, close to Hillsboro, MS where she grew up on the family farm. Her nine siblings adored and cherished her throughout her childhood as she blossomed into a beautiful and talented young woman. She attended Morton Attendance Center where she became high school sweethearts with the love of her life, Buddy Lee. After graduating from East Central Junior College in 1950, Buddy and Ina Faye began their life together on December 28, 1950. God blessed Ina Faye with the gift of music. Playing the piano at an early age, she became quite accomplished in her musical training, which was enhanced by her God-given ability to also play by ear. Ina Faye used her talents by playing for local events, church services, weddings, and funerals beginning as young as 12 years old. Ina Faye was a pianist at Forest Baptist Church for 46 years and she also played for several years at Forest Presbyterian Church. Ina Faye was first and foremost a homemaker for her five children, but also worked in the family’s automobile dealership as a bookkeeper. In addition, she spent several years working as a salesperson for Milady’s House of Fashion and The Brass Knob in Forest. She leaves behind her five children: Manina (John) Bauer of Orange Beach, AL; Ginny (Chuck) Jordan of Columbus, MS; Joe Lee of Forest, MS; Leesa (Keith) Wilkinson of Collierville, TN; and Jeff (Tammy) Lee of Philadelphia, MS. Ina Faye is also survived by eight grandchildren: Charlie Jordan, Richard Lee, Claire Jordan James, LauraLee Jordan Hall, Austin Lee, Hannah Lee Johnson, Ashlee Lee, Kirstin Wilkinson, and seven great-grandchildren: Ella Kate Jordan, Kyndall Lee, Lucy Jordan, Karoline Lee, Molly Jordan, MaryAnne Hall, and Beckett Johnson. Ina Faye is survived by one brother, Paul Simmons of Louisville, MS. Ina Faye is preceded in death by her parents, G.D. and Carrie Simmons; her husband of 60 years, Joseph Austin “Buddy” Lee; granddaughter, Lindsay Lee Thompson; and daughter-in-law, Penny Anderson Lee. Ina Faye’s eight other brothers and sisters preceded her in death: Henry Simmons, Ruby Black, Mavis Strahan Boyles, Mary Elizabeth Freeman, Lamar Simmons, Dewitt Simmons, Ralph Simmons, and Clay Simmons. Ina Faye’s greatest joys of her life were her family and friends. She spent many happy years especially with her dearest life-long friends, Edna and Dink Gibson of Forest, MS and Georgie McMullan of Hattiesburg, MS. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Sta-Home Health and Hospice, Lackey Memorial Hospital, and Ruth Gaddi, FNP for their care during her recent illness. Memorials for Ina Faye Lee may be made to Forest Baptist Church Sanctuary Piano Fund or the charity of your choice. Funeral services provided by Ott & Lee Funeral Home of Forest. Telephone (601) 469-3412

---