Brenda Lee

CELEBRATION OF LIFE Brenda Lee-Mungo “This is not Goodbye, it’s ‘See You Later!’” Today, we celebrate the life of our beloved Brenda Lee-Mungo, aka Mom and Sugarmomma, who transitioned on February 17, 2021. She was born on August 30, 1952 in Brooklyn, New York to Essite Lee and Melba Culpepper. Brenda was one of six children, comprised of three sisters and two brothers. Her proudest accomplishment is motherhood, as well as longevity that enabled her to be a grandparent to a brood of awesome grandchildren. Passionate, fun-loving, joyful, loyal, loving, compassionate and caring are the character traits she displayed throughout the many stages of her life journey and experienced by many! Brenda was born and raised in Brooklyn New York and was educated in the New York City public school system. After graduating, she landed a job in the hospitality industry at Val Hal, a lively club, known as “Belly”. Those who worked with her back then would all agree that Brenda was always a joy to work with and “She was always the life of the party”. In 1975, met and married her husband, Thomas Lee Mungo, whom she spent 32 wonderful years with until his passing in 2007. There is no doubt, they are now together again! Brenda and her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1987. There she became a faithful member of Poplar Street A.M.E. Zion Church until the church closed down. She started off in Philadelphia working as a teacher’s aide at Gen. George G Meade Elementary School during the day, while she attended nursing school at night. After a lot of long nights and early mornings, Brenda graduated nursing school and became a certified nursing assistant, enabling her to dedicate 32 years in the healthcare field. Brenda was loved dearly by her clients, some of whom became residents in her home. Yes, her vocation became a ministry, which suited her caring heart! Brenda had a great love for attending and hosting family gatherings and traveling to her hometown, Brooklyn, New York. With no doubt, as per Proverbs 31:28, “her children rise(d) up and called her blessed”. But also Brenda’s grandchildren, who affectionately refer to her as Mama, declare her to be ambitious, for wherever there was a will, she made a way! She was a care taker, provider, nurturer, and the list goes on. As her health declined, she still continued to care for others and open her home to family and friends. All of whom loved her dearly and will never forget her stubbornness, feistiness, charm and grace. She showed an undying love and caring for them and all of us, her grandchildren. She always told the truth, even if it was not what you wanted to hear. To know Brenda, aka MaMa, was to truly love her. She was a blessing! She lived life to the fullest. It is an honor that each and every one of us has had a chance to live life in her presence. She will be truly missed and forever in our hearts! Brenda, a dedicated woman, who held the role of family matriarch, lived life showing family meant everything to her, for she was a devoted daughter, wife, companion, sister, aunt, mother, niece, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Waiting with open arms is her father Essite Lee, mother Melba Culpepper, sisters: Joan Lee and Carolyn Lee, and brother: Harry Lee, who all preceded her in death. Brenda leaves to morn her passing, 4 daughters: Theresa, April, Shalina and Thomasina; 3 sons, Dondi, John, & Essite. Her sister: Shelia Kerr (New York), and brother: Ronald Lee (North Carolina); her companion of 13 years: Conar Wilson aka Mr. Slim, with whom she spent her last remaining years creating many loving memories; and a host of grand and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We are all honored and thank God for loaning her to us and giving us to her!