Obituary

Charles Russell Lee was born in La Plata, Maryland, to Jack and Bessie Lee on December 14, 1931, to a family of 7 boys and 3 girls.  He was the first in his family to attend college. While attending Bel Alton High School, he was very active in all school activities, winning his first quiz show as a freshman competing against upperclassman and received a grand prize of $5.00.  He graduated from Morgan State University at the age of 20 with a degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation.   He sang in the Morgan State Choir and served as their Business Manager for 2 years.  He was in the first R.O.T.C. class at Morgan and upon graduation he served 2 years in the US Army and received an honorable discharge.  His tour of duty was in Korea where he taught English and formed a Korean Choir who sang in English for church services on Sundays.

He joined the DC Public School System in 1957, in the Pupil Appraisal, Study and Attendance Department and worked in City-Wide Test Administration for 34 years.  Upon his retirement in 1989, he taught in several parochial schools in the District and Maryland.  In addition, he worked as a Job Developer in Prince George County for several years and prepared High School and College students for summer jobs.  One summer he successfully placed 1500 students in jobs.  Highlighting his love of music and theater, Russell studied vocal technique from a private instructor and went on to sing in many musical productions and served as a bass soloist for many churches. He performed in many Dinner Theater productions and stopped the show with his rendition of Old Man River in Showboat.  He was a soloist with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center.  He organized and developed the first gospel choir at his church and directed it for eleven years.

Russell's love of family and community is demonstrated by his involvement in many community services; such as, meeting with families of love ones who are deceased to assist with funeral services by selecting music and preparing the order of service, serving as the church cantor, and organizing the first African American Gospel Choir at St Mary's Catholic Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and directed it for 4 years.  He served on the committee to secure funds to remodel Bel Alton High School, he served as the president of the Capital Hill AARP chapter for 7 years, delivered meals on wheels and assisted in organizing the SHARE program at this church.

Russell was very family oriented and enjoyed preparing large family meals during the holidays or anytime the family got together.  He served as the family historian and was always there to support his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in every way.

Peacefully, Monday evening, October 29, 2018 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, La Plata, Maryland, Charles Russell Lee more affectionately called Russell transitioned to eternal life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Bessie Lee, his brothers, Mutt, Tom, Irving, Herman and sisters, La Verne and Gladys.

He is survived by his brothers, Earl and Donald, his sister, Barbara and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  Russell was loved by all and is a proud MORGANITE.

Viewing, 8:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646.  Interment, Church Cemetery.