Bessie Lee

Bessie M. Covington Lee was born in Cameron, Texas on August 2, 1925 to the Reverend Harry C.  and Mrs. Erma L. Covington.  Bessie is the oldest of three children born to Reverend and Mrs. Covington.  Bessie came to know the Lord early as a preacher’s daughter and the love of the Lord continued throughout her life.

Bessie completed her grade school education in Rosebud, Texas.  Bessie excelled in academics and was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Texas College where she became a proud member of the Gamma Epsilon chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.  Following graduation from college, Bessie married DDS. Cornelius O. Henry and had one daughter, Cheryl L. Henry.  She later divorced and became a teacher in San Angelo, Texas where she taught high school math at Blackshear High School from 1952 to 1957.  Bessie married USAF pilot, Robert H. Lee, in 1957 and began her life as the military wife of a career air force pilot.  Bessie had two sons with Robert, Robert H. Lee II and Rodney M. Lee.

Bessie was always a take charge person and held numerous leadership positions in various organizations throughout her life such as the Officer’s Wives Club, and the Protestant Women of the Chapel.  Bessie was a loving wife, and devoted mother, and throughout her life she touched many lives as a teacher, leader, wife, and mother.

Bessie was called home to be with the Lord on August 25, 2019.   She transitioned peacefully surrounded by her family.  She is interred at Fort Sam National Cemetery.  Bessie is preceded in death by her sister, Eze Howard.

Bessie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Col. (ret) Robert H. Lee; children, Cheryl L. Woods, Robert H. Lee II, Rodney M. Lee; brother, Harry Covington; nephews, Leon Howard, Dr. Russell Covington; niece, Dr. Harriet C. Covington-Smith; grandchildren, Traci E. Lee, Rodney M. Lee II; honorary grandchild, Janelle N. Gray; cousins, Julianne Gray, Julie Felder, Robin Felder, Charles C. Croomes, Pamela Johnson, Pastor Bruce Hodge, Barbara Ann Hickey, Billy Jean Lacy, Bobby Dean Lacy, Bonnie Lacy; and a host of extended family and friends.