Vivian Edmonds White Lee Obituary May 7, 2026 | Atlanta, GA
Vivian Edmonds White Lee, 82, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Vivian Edmonds White Lee, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful community servant, entered into eternal rest on May 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Known for her elegant grace, warm smile, and compassionate heart, Vivian lived a life rich in faith, family, and quiet acts of kindness that touched everyone who knew her.
A Life Well Lived
Vivian Edmonds White Lee was born on September 14, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama. She grew up in a loving family that emphasized faith, education, and service to others. After graduating from high school, she attended Spelman College in Atlanta, where she earned a degree in Education. Vivian began her teaching career in the Atlanta Public Schools system in the late 1960s and dedicated more than 35 years to shaping young lives as a devoted elementary school teacher.
She was remembered by generations of students as the kind and patient educator who believed in every child’s potential and made learning both meaningful and joyful. After retiring in 2005, Vivian continued giving back through tutoring programs and church education ministries.
In 1968, Vivian married the love of her life, Mr. Robert James Lee. Together they built a beautiful home and raised a family grounded in love, faith, and strong values. She was a longtime active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she served in the women’s ministry, sang in the gospel choir, and organized community outreach efforts. Vivian had a passion for gardening, reading, sewing, and cooking soul food dishes that brought family and friends together. Her famous pound cake and collard greens were always in high demand at church suppers and family reunions.
Surviving Family Members
Vivian is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Robert James Lee of Atlanta; her children: daughter Denise (Michael) Thompson of Decatur, Georgia, son Robert Lee Jr. (Angela) of Marietta, Georgia, and daughter Pamela (Kevin) Washington of Atlanta; her cherished grandchildren: Jordan, Taylor, and Cameron Thompson, Brianna and Marcus Lee, and Maya and Caleb Washington; and many loving siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Edith Edmonds, and her sister, Barbara Edmonds White.
Funeral Details and Arrangements
A Celebration of Life service for Vivian Edmonds White Lee will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, with Reverend Dr. Marcus Williams officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 15, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at South View Cemetery in Atlanta. Pallbearers will include her sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Education Ministry or to the Spelman College Scholarship Fund in Vivian’s loving memory.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Vivian Edmonds White Lee was the heart of her family and a shining example of grace and strength. She lived with dignity, loved with depth, and served with humility. Whether nurturing students in her classroom, caring for her family, or uplifting her church community, Vivian gave generously from a heart full of compassion.
She taught her children and grandchildren the importance of faith, education, perseverance, and treating others with kindness and respect. Her warm embraces, wise counsel, beautiful voice in the choir, and delicious home-cooked meals created cherished memories that will be treasured forever. Vivian faced life’s challenges with quiet courage and always pointed her family toward hope and prayer.
Though our hearts ache with her passing, we find comfort knowing Vivian has gone home to her Heavenly Father, reunited with loved ones who preceded her. Her legacy of love, faith, and elegant strength will continue to bloom through every generation that follows.
Condolences and Guestbook
The Lee family warmly invites relatives, friends, former students, and church members to share memories, stories, and words of comfort in the guestbook below. These tributes will be deeply treasured as the family celebrates Vivian’s beautiful life and finds strength during this time of sorrow.
