Ms. Evelyn Y. Lee, 83, peacefully entered into the resting arms of Jesus on Friday. March 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after an extended illness. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, confidant, and friend.

Evelyn Lee, affectionately known as "Big Mama", "Granny", and so much more, was born Evelyn Yvetta Hickman on March 11, 1942, in Cairo, Illinois to Eldridge and Willie B. (nee Welch) Hickman as the second of two children. The Hickman Family relocated to Akron, Ohio in 1943, and settled on 88 N. Maple Street. At a young age, Evelyn was introduced to the Lord and accepted him as her savior and spent her lifetime serving him. During her formative years, she was educated through the Akron Public School System

On February 21, 1959, Rev. C.H. Cook united her and James Henry Lee in Matrimony. The Lord blessed their union with six children and the two remained married until 1978.

Big Mama played a pivotal role in the lives of many. She was straightforward, and was never one to mince words, leaving no room for misunderstanding. She was quick to tell you exactly what was on her mind, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She was always a wild card. When visiting her, you never knew what witty remark she would throw your way. Some things she said were funny, some were not, but it all came from a loving place. In addition to raising her children, she passionately assumed the role of foster mother to many. She was a mother to some, but a nurturer to everyone. Each person she met experienced her unconditional love and kindred spirit. She was also a member of The Wonder Club and Order of the Eastern Star. Mama was the life of the party. She was very welcoming, and everyone enjoyed being in her presence! Evelyn loved to eat, thrift, and travel until her health began to decline.

She lived her life to the fullest until the very end. Her final moments were spent with her family by her side, reminiscing and laughing about her antics just as she would have wanted. On the day she went to glory, sunlight came through the window and pierced her shell, as her soul was welcomed home by our Heavenly Father.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, former husband James Lee, sister Louise Bell, brother-in-law Milton Bell, son-in-law James Lee Brewer Sr., daughter Diamond Lee, and grandson James Deshawn Lee.

She is survived by her loving children, Regina Brewer, James (Gina) Lee, Renee Lee, Danny Lee, Wesley (Sharee) Lee, Shalon Lee, Eric Lee, & Andre Lee; grandchildren James (Ferrah) Brewer Jr., Marque! Brewer, Tina (Shilo) Davenport, James Donovan (Enibokum) Lee. Desteny Lee. Tanika Livingston, Jamil (Lisa) Lee, Lateeka Lee. Shaniqua Lee, Falisha Lee, Jalessa Hereford, LaDaneia Lee, Wesley Lee Jr., James J. Lee, Sarah Lee, Jayla Lee, Lance Anderson, Dereese Anderson, Sh