Marie Collins Lee, age 89 of Tarboro passed away in the ECU Medical Center in Greenville on October 26, 2024.

Marie Lee was born in Johnston County, NC on 10/20/1935. Marie was preceded in death by her mother, Lizzie Collins, father, Arthur Collins, sisters, Mildred, Gradybelle, Rochelle, Hazel, Dollie, Esther, Nellie, Faye, and brothers, J.A., James "Tarheel" Elmer, Buddy, and Pat.

Marie is survived by her husband of 71 years, Larry Lee, a daughter, Jackie Lee (Rocky Mount), and sisters, Elvie Manning (husband – George) (Littleton, NC), Beatrice Thompson (Salem, KY), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ms. Marie, as she was affectionately known, ran a home daycare in Tarboro for over 30 years. Even after the children were grown-up, they would remain in contact with Ms. Marie, and she would tell stories of how each one of them impacted her life. The children knew that when they went to daycare, they would be treated to some of the best cooking in Edgecombe County and dare to say some of the best they would ever eat. Parents knew that Ms. Marie would treat the children like they were her own and they would learn manners, basic schooling, and how to clean up if they messed up.

Ms. Marie was an avid gardener, and she would always share what she harvested with friends and people in need. Ms. Marie would also cook what she harvested, and you knew that when she brought you a gift it was probably going to be something she had cooked, canned, or preserved in her kitchen.

Ms. Marie was an advocate for cancer research, and she collected and sold cans on a regular basis and the profits went to the Cancer Center.

In August of 2020 Ms. Marie found a new calling when she started volunteering at the Tarboro Community Outreach. Ms. Marie and husband, Larry, became known as "Grandma" and "Grandpa" at the Outreach and Ms. Marie would spend the next four years (five days a week) sorting clothes, handing out numbers, distributing food and passing on knowledge that you could only get from a person who knew the value of a hard day's work. In 2023 Ms. Lee received the Governor's Award for her volunteer efforts at the Tarboro Community Outreach.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from am 10am until 11am, with the funeral service being held at 11 am in the Chapel of Carlisle Funeral Home.