Sue Ellen Lee: A Journey of Family, Hard Work, and Fulfillment

Born on September 26, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana, Sue Ellen Lee grew up in a household shaped by the values of hard work and education—her mother was a dedicated nurse and her father drove buses to support the family. Sue was the third of five children, with two older sisters, Carol and Sharon, and two younger brothers, Bobby and Johnny. Growing up, Sue loved school and playing outside. She reflects on memories of playing softball, swimming, and rolling down the sand dunes of Tower Hill in her hometown of South Bend, Indiana.

After finishing high school in South Bend, Sue Ellen attended South Bend Central University, a unique satellite school that offered private funding to help students complete their college degrees without the burdens of campus life and dormitory expenses. This innovative educational model allowed her to pursue her ambitions from the comfort of home. Reflecting on her college years, Sue Lee chuckles, “Yes, I got my Mrs. Degree!” With a playful spirit, she recalls how a year into her studies, she married and relocated to Texas with her husband, who was traveling for his job with AAMCO when they met but was based in San Antonio.

Sue spent 3-4 years living in San Antonio, later moving to Dallas, before eventually relocating to Georgia in 1982. Though she has experience as a business owner, owning and operating a clothing store, she built her career in manufacturing and sales. Over the years, working with various brokers and manufacturers, she eventually landed a role at Sysco Foods as an associate in the manufacturers department, later advancing to become a sales apprentice. In this capacity, she thrived, building and nurturing accounts with prominent names like Callaway Gardens, PeachTree Towers, and Augusta Golf Course.

Sue is also a proud mother of her two children, Kelly and Frankie, and a proud grandmother to her five grandchildren, Blake, Drew, Ellie, Hunter and Collin. She tells me she was forced to retire, but that it was probably for the best as it gives her time to rest. She has enjoyed activities such as bowling and golf throughout her retirement, even boasting a hole-in-one she once got! When asked about her wishes for the future and advice to younger generations, Sue tells me she hopes to see the continued participation of intelligent young people in our political elections and political decisions. She yearns for peace, encouraging the youth to live their life with, through, and for the Lord! Sue has been a resident at Legacy Village of Athens since spring of this year, bringing smiles to the faces of all of those she meets. She is an absolute pleasure to have, and we look forward to continuing to make memories with you, Sue!