JULY 20, 1941- JULY 12, 2022
Phyllis Jean Lee, a resident of Friendswood, died at the age of 80 on July 12, 2022. She was born in Neodesha, Kansas on July 20th, 1941 to Orlie and Marjorie Osburn.
After graduating from High School in Neodesha, Phyllis attended Pittsburg Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas where she met her future husband, Dale Lee. After marrying on August 11, 1962, Phyllis and Dale both began teaching in various grades and classes while starting their family. They had lots of early adventures juggling raising kids, teaching, and even coaching sports in small high schools. Phyllis and Dale often joked that coaching basketball in Kansas in the 1960s prepared them for any high stakes situation they later faced!
The family later moved to the Friendswood area for Dale’s job with AMOCO Oil. Phyllis became the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Friendswood, and some of her proudest and happiest times were planning and managing the Fourth of July activities. She served as a member of the Friendswood City Council for several years and was grateful to have been instrumental in the development of the sports fields and swimming pool for the city.
Phyllis is predeceased by her husband, Dale. She is survived by her three children Jeff Lee, Jason Lee, and Marjena Kohnke (Lee) along with her son-in-law Ernie Kohnke and daughter-in-law Nanette Lee. Phyllis was very proud of her 4 grandchildren Ernie, Danielle, Lexi and Allison. She is also survived by her brother Steve Osburn, her nieces, and many friends – most notably her partner in hijinx, Kathy McAdams.
Her family was her first love, but a close second was her love for her church and the choir at Friendswood United Methodist Church. She had several decades of service and leadership in different ways throughout the years. Phyllis was quick to offer a smile, a hello, and the biggest hug you would allow! She had an outsized sense of fun and humor, and we will miss her joyful spirit and contagious laugh.
A memorial service will take place at Friendswood United Methodist Church at 10am on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Friendswood United Methodist Church Music Ministry.
3 thoughts on “PHYLLIS JEAN LEE”
I am so sorry for your loss of your mother. We have always had a special connection through music at the church. We had a blast rehearsing and presenting the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera, Trial By Jury. We were in the first handbell choir and rang together for at least 15+ years. Our first performance was for the wedding of Denise Hearn. Phyllis started out in choir as a soprano but after many years decided she would be better in the alto section. She sure added a special spark when she joined us!!! I loved your mother and will sure miss her as I know all of our other alto sisters will too!
Love and Prayers,
Mitzi Hiers
Phyllis was such a wonderful person. I cherish all her insights and witness as she cared for Dale. I”m thankful for all the help she’s given my parents and then us at the Law Office, over the years. Her loving spirit will always be in our hearts.
I had the pleasure of meet Phyllis in my early days in Friendswood and while working on the 4th of July committee. As the year went by her presents as a City Council member and her dedicated hard work at so many events was awe inspiring. A great lady and a tremendous example of leadership and dedication to our city. May the Strength of our Lord be with her dear family.