Helen Lucille Lee

Helen Lucille Lee of Fort Washington, MD transitioned March 24, 2026.

Helen Lucille Lee a.k.a. “Peaches”

Helen Lucille Lee was born on September 8, 1943, to the late Charles E. Johnson and Lucille May Chambers (Johnson). She was preceded in death by her half-sister, Sandra Denise Wilson; a beloved cousin, Patricia Joyce Jackson-Washington whom she grew up with like a sister. On the evening of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Mom received the LORD’s call to her eternal home and is now in His presence!

Helen attended District of Columbia public schools. She married her childhood sweetheart, James Edward Lee. From that union came two beautiful children, James “Noodie” Jr. and LaVerne “Vernie,” the joys of her life and the ones she loved to boast about.

After decades of a committed career, Helen retired from Housing and Urban Development within the federal government. She was affectionately known as “Ms. Sunshine”. She also became a certified paralegal. She loved legal research and would spend several hours in the reading room of the U.S. Library of Congress. She worked part-time as a tax preparer for clients, as well as assisted friends, with tax preparation and other legal matters. Her absolute love for movies motivated her to work part-time at Erol’s for the fun of it. After retirement, she enjoyed managing the “Photos with Santa” and Easter Bunny stand at Iverson Mall during the holiday seasons! She loved to see the expression on the children’s faces and bring joy during the holidays.

Helen professed Christ as her savior in 1990; led to the cross by her longtime friend, “Miss” Irene. She was a member of Randall Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. since childhood. She served in the choir and on church council. She later attended Grace United Methodist Church with her daughter. She loved her family and friends, traveling and taking vacations, her Washington “Redskins” a.k.a. Commanders, and meeting up with her “Bojangles crew.” Breakfast was her favorite meal of the day. She loved Costco’s Belgian Boys Mini Pancakes, requesting them every day!

Helen was a member of the seniors Iverson Mall Walkers and Iverson Mall Line Dancers in Temple Hills, MD. She loved dancing so much that she founded “Mom N’ Em”, the infamous senior line dancing group that was an offshoot of the Iverson Mall Walkers. Mom N’ Em were often requested as guests to perform at many events like the UC Star Awards (i.e., Academy Awards for Line Dancing); the Prince Georges’ County Executive’s Annual Family BBQ; the District of Columbia’s Health Fairs at the Convention Center; the National Dance Day for seniors hosted by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and featured in local newspapers, like The Gazette. They traveled nationally. She was even spotted while vacationing in Canada! A photo of Mom N’ Em was featured on the side of former County Executive Jack Johnson’s tour bus. Her dance moves, energy, and calls would motivate her team and would light up any room!

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving son, James E. Lee, Jr. (Valerie) and daughter LaVerne Lucille West (Vaughn); and six grandchildren – Victor West (Lauryn), JaQuetta Jordan (Stacey), Markita West, James Lee, Fredrick Lee (Kerry), and Kelci Faraci (Matthew); 16 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; her beloved cousin, Maryann Delores Jackson-Woods (also like a sister); a host of nieces, nephews; devoted friends Esther Hodges and Janice Meadows; and longtime partner, Everett Hill.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, April 4 2026 from 9 am until time of service at 10 am at Westphalia Christian Community Church, 9363 D'Arcy Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Interment immediately to follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Suitland, MD.