Lee Cooley of Morehead City, NC, formerly of Durham, NC, passed away at the age of 86 on August 3, 2023.  Lee was born in Edgecombe county.  Friends and family knew her as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Lee is survived by two loving daughters, Bonnie Baldassano, husband Bill, of Blue Bell, PA; and Jill Kristin Cooley of Durham, NC; one grandson, Matthew Baldassano; and her sister, Margaret (Rookie) Tripp of Pinetops, NC.; many loving cousins and nephews; and by special friends too numerous to list, but dear to her heart.

Lee is now reunited in heaven with her loving and devoted husband, Horace L. Cooley.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Ida Walters of Old Sparta; two brothers, George Walters and Milford (Runt) Walters; and her sister, Nannie Denny.

Lee worked many years as a hair stylist and later retired from Belk's department store as a top performing sales associate.  She was a member of Bogue Banks Baptist Church in Morehead City.  She loved her family, church, cooking, playing cards, gardening, reading, and spending time reading and studying her Bible.  Lee had her happiest days spending holidays with her grandson, Matt, who was the joy of her life.

At Lee's request, a private gathering will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bogue Banks Baptist Church, 1417 W Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512.