Deacon Lonnie La'vel Lee, age 75, was born August 19, 1950, in Statesboro, Georgia to the late Deacon Council Taylor Lee (C.T.) and the late Odella (Jones) Lee. Lonnie transitioned from this life on September 9, 2025.

Lonnie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at African Baptist Church (by the late Reverend W. D. Kent), where he faithfully served as a member. Lonnie, an active member of Historical First African Baptist Church (HFABC), coordinated and taught Vacation Bible School, sang in the choirs, taught Sunday School, and served as a delegate in the Baptist Training Union (BTU) Conferences. Throughout his work in the mission ministry service, Lonnie demonstrated his unwavering faith by serving others and sharing God's love with them. In 2023, Lonnie was ordained as a Deacon at HFABC, under the pastorship of Pastor James A. Howard; where he served as an active Deacon until his passing.

Deacon Lee was a 1968 graduate of William James High School in the public school system of Statesboro, Georgia, where he was a member of the marching and symphonic bands. His ability to master a variety of instruments; the clarinet being his favorite; along with his God given talent was frequently displayed through the several musical genres he played. Lonnie admired classic music and counted it as his favorite musical genre. He often composed performance arrangements for the local high school's marching band. Lonnie received a music scholarship to Morris Brown College, a prestigious HBCU, and majored in Music. He played the tuba as a member of the "Marching 100 Wolverines" and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Deacon Lee's talent went beyond music. He wrote poetry and short essays that were read on the local radio station and was recognized at significant occasions in his community.

Lonnie served with distinction in the United States Air Force in the early 1970's, where he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps and held the title of Specialty Clarinet-Instrumentalist.

Lonnie's love of people and his willingness to serve was evident and reflected in his service at Legacy Link and at Action Pact Senior Center in Bulloch County. At Action Pact he served as Chaplin and sang in the choir. As Chaplin, during devotional times, he would sing one of his favorite songs, "The Lord God is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want." Lonnie's passion for his work at Dairy Queen and those he worked with fostered enduring friendships and an atmosphere of joyful times.

On April 3rd, 1976, Lonnie married Nola Reachelle Cothran (Shelly) and from their union, two children were born: John and Aaron. On April 25, 2021, (in honor of his mother's birthday) Lonnie was united in holy matrimony to Margo Elizabeth Hinson.

He was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Lavel Pillow Lee, his father, Deacon Council Taylor Lee, mother, Deaconess Odella (Jones) Lee, eldest sister, Ruby Dell Lee Burton, two brothers, Reverend Council Timothy Lee, Reverend Larry Darnell Lee Sr., adopted brother Doy Johnson, sister-in-law, Rosalyn Leah Lee, and brother-in-law, James F. Burton.

Lonnie leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving wife, Margo Lee, of Statesboro, GA; one son, John Council Lee, of St. Louis, MO; two step-daughters, Sherri Hinson, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Linda Swinson, of Statesboro, GA; two step-sons, Sean Hinson, of Philadelphia, PA, and James Hinson, of Statesboro, GA; two brothers, Reverend James David (Brenda) Lee of Columbia, SC, and Trustee Eddie Geffro (Barbara A.) Lee, of Stonecrest, GA; one sister, Beatrice (Kenneth) Baker of Cartersville, GA; four sisters-in-law, Patricia McBride, of Statesboro, GA, Deborah Cottman, of Statesboro, GA, Clorie Wilson, of Savannah, GA, and Barbara White Lee Garvin of Rincon, GA; one aunt, Mrs. Adeline Wigfall Jones of South Bend, IN; nieces, Tonia Lee, Lorie Anderson, Natashia Conley, Deanna Boyd, Kelsey Baker, Kaylin Baker, Kymberly Baker, and Trece Howard; nephews, Council Burton, Cardell Burton, Bernard Burton, Donald Lee, James R. Lee, Larry Lee Jr., Mario Carswell, Kenny Baker, and Chris Graham; 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at Historical First African Baptist Church, 124 Bobby Donaldson Ave, Statesboro, GA 30458

Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11a.m. at Whitesville Full Gospel Worship Center, 306 Shelby Street, Statesboro, GA 30458

Interment will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 8819 US Hwy 301, Glennville, GA 30427.

Friends may sign the online register book at www.craigrtremblefuneralhome.com.

Celebration of Life services are entrusted to the care of Craig R. Tremble Funeral Homes, Inc., Statesboro Chapel, 238 West Main Street, Statesboro, GA 30458