Marilyn Lee

Patricia Marilyn Bass Lee

LELAND, NC – Patricia Marilyn Bass Lee, beloved wife, mother, and former longtime resident of Salemburg, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at the age of 79. She had been a resident of Leland, North Carolina, for the past 13 years.

She is survived by her devoted husband, William Robert Lee; her three loving children, Cherolyn Patrice Ray and husband Matthew, William Chadwick Phelps and wife Heather, and Jessica Anne Phelps-Sims and husband Dan; and her four cherished grandsons, Patrick Dillon Smith, Zachary Alexander Smith, William Camden Phelps, and Kyland McKinley Phelps.

Born in Clinton on January 4, 1947, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Crafton D. and Ruby Jones Bass of Salemburg with three brothers, Phillip Maurice Bass, Crafton Keith Bass and David Glenn Bass. She is also survived by two sisters, Carol Anne Adair and Cheryl Jane Embry. She dedicated her life to educating others, working as a passionate teacher for over 30 years. She considered Salemburg Baptist Church her home church and was blessed with a beautiful gift of song, which she shared generously throughout her life. Marilyn was known for her warmth, kindness, and deep devotion to her family, friends, and former students. Her memory will live in the hearts of all who knew her.

A service to honor and celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held at Salemburg Baptist Church on July 2, 2026, beginning with a visitation at 10:00am and the service at 11:00am followed by a graveside service at Sunrise Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made online to Paws Place Dog Rescue in Winnabow, North Carolina.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC.