Essie Margaret (Denkins) Lee

Essie Margaret Denkins Lee age 94, of Hendersonville NC (formerly of Sanford, NC) passed away Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Elizabeth House of Hendersonville.

She was born in Surry County, NC on January 23, 1930 to the late Grady Denkins and Ida Pinnix Denkins.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Luther Currie Lee, son James R. Lee, and numerous siblings.

Essie was a loving homemaker, and a gifted southern “Mema” cook that could turn anything fresh out of their garden into perfection.  Her Thanksgiving dressing, chocolate cake, Lomo, spaghetti, collard greens, and cornbread were just a few of the family favorites.  Her hobbies included gardening, planting flowers, reading, watching soap operas, The Price is Right, and The People’s Court.  She loved nurturing and watching her family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grow.

She is survived by a son Danny Lee of Carthage NC, a daughter Dianne Lee Densmore (Tommy) of Titusville FL, and daughter Carol Lee Pierce of Hendersonville NC.  Grandchildren Joel Carlyle (Rachael) of Marshallberg NC, Chris Lee of Hendersonville NC, Kristin Lee Allen (Bryan) of Sanford NC and Natalie Pierce of Hendersonville NC.  Great grandchildren Addisyn Allen and Weatherly Carlyle. 

A graveside service will be held at Buffalo Cemetery on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM with the Pastor Daniel Owens presiding.  There will be no formal visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Elizabeth House (Hospice), 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC  28731.

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