Norfolk - Ruth Ofelia Butler-Lee was born in Norfolk, Virginia on October 1, 1929 to Bernard N. Butler and Mildred M. Butler. She departed this life on September 26, 2013. Ruth was a quite, obedient child who grew up in the city of Norfolk, Virginia. She was married at an early age to Floyd A. Lee and out of that union was born four children- Floyd Jr., Joanneathea, Milton and Theodore Lee. Ruth loved God and she made prayer and church attendance a regular part of her life. Ruth was a strong and caring mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She liked to sing songs by Leana Horne, Etta James and Billie Holiday. And oh, she could sing them! She was also the first in her family to own her own home.

Ruth was a very hard working mother, who loved her children with all her might. She was also very independent and she rarely asked anyone for anything. She was a faithful worker at Southland Cork Plant…she worked that job for over twenty years and she never missed a day of work! Ruth was an excellent cook! She was sooo good at cooking…she could make a meal with her eyes closed and it would be the best meal you'd ever eaten! Ruth also loved gardening. She was blessed with a green thumb and she grew some of the most beautiful roses ever. Ruth was a fashion queen! You could always find her adorned in the most fashionable garments.

Ruth was a giver and she gave all she had. On September 26, 2013, she called for Jesus (the man she loved) to give her rest…and he did just that. We love you Mom! This is your day and we want to pay tribute to you in songs of celebration…the songs that you loved! You will always be in our hearts as you are a part of us and we're a part of you. "At Last," you have gone to rest from a job well done!

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory and perpetuate her legacy: her children, Floyd Lee, Jr. of Richmond, VA, Joanneathea Lee of Norfolk, VA , Milton Lee of Chesapeake, VA, ( Lita ) and Theodore Lee of Norfolk, VA. She also leaves a host grand and great grand children, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her brother, Chester L. Butler and a sister, Mabel S. Jones.

A funeral service will be held noon Wednesday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park.Viewing will be held from 3-7pm Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 6-7pm.