Jessica Danyale Lee

Jessica Danyale Lee, age 23, was born February 8, 1990, in Westminster, California. Her son, Elyjah Michael Lee, age 4, was born June 6, 2009, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. They departed this life together Tuesday, August 6, 2013, during the flood in Waynesville. They are survived by Michael and Michelle Lee of Waynesville, MO; Justin Lee of Jefferson City, MO; Julia Lee of Waynesville, MO; Peggy and Glen Alderich of Lebanon, MO; Jerry Lee of Long Beach, CA; Joan Blatt and Jerry Mercier of Lebanon, MO; Frank and Laura Romney of Mesa, AZ; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Jessica lived in California, Georgia, and Colorado before arriving in Missouri where she spent most of her life. After graduating from Waynesville High School she went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Child Phycology at Columbia College. Her love for children took her career to the Child Development Center on Fort Leonard Wood where she was currently working. She loved to laugh, joke around, and express herself with her favorite color (bright pink) and thru sentimental tattoos which had special meaning to her. But most of all, what she loved more than anything, was being with Elyjah and her family. Elyjah grew up here in Waynesville and enjoyed everything the area had to offer. He was dedicated at Victory Fellowship where he and his mother attended. He loved playing outside and with his best friend Bear Bear. One of his favorite routines was picking fruits and vegetables with Grandma in her garden (while eating all of Grandpa’s strawberries). Like his mother he also would express himself with his favorite color (blue) as everything he wore had to have blue in it. Today we celebrate Jessica and Elyjah’s lives together. We will always treasure the many wonderful memories they have created with each and every one of us. They will be fondly remembered, deeply missed, and will live in our hearts forever. Everyone who knew Jessica would say she was a tough, strong willed person. Only those closest to her would know how loyal and protective she was. Jessica would do anything for family and friends, no questions asked. If you needed her she was there, especially when it came too little Ely. No matter the situation Jessica wasn’t going to give up without a fight. She would have taken on a lion to protect her little boy. Elyjah was Jessica’s everything, he literally was her entire world and she was his. Elyjah filled so many people’s lives with joy and happiness, because that was all he knew. True and unconditional love was all Elyjah had ever experienced. It is without a doubt Elyjah and Jessica were made for each other; they were one another’s destiny. Now they shall continue their eternal lives together in Heaven, never alone, but always together. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2013 in the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville with Pastor Frank Brunais officiating. Recalling their wonderful memories of Jessica and Elyjah were Michael Lee and Debbie Lee. The songs “I Can Only Imagine”, “Save a Place for Me” and “If I Die Young” were played. Serving as escorts for Jessica were Vincent Koehler, Martha Lee, Josh Crossland, George Forbes, Marty Lee and Steven Orth. Serving as escorts for Elyjah were Kelby Stapleton, Debbie Lee, Bill Clements, Nathaniel Richards, Keitha Orth and Justin Lee. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jessica and Elyjah and may be left at the funeral home.

Jessica Danyale Lee

February 8, 1990 - August 6, 2013