Funeral services for Barbara Joyce Lee will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Cullman
Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. followed by a memorial service
at 12pm. A graveside service will be held after the memorial service at the Jones
Chapel Cemetery, located at 101 Co Rd 1082, Cullman, AL 35057.
Barbara Joyce Lee, aged 77, passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2024, in
Cullman, AL. Born to Joseph and Bonnie (Nebelong) Turner on February 16, 1947,
Barbara grew up primarily in Philadelphia, PA and Maple Shade, NJ before migrating
south to Alabama in the 1970s. She was an avid reader, lover of history, crossword
puzzle solver, and amateur genealogist.
Barbara was known for her strong work ethic, which served as a strong model for her
two daughters who credit her for instilling it in them. After graduating from Merchantville
High School in 1965, she went to work for various insurance companies in downtown
Philadelphia. One of her most notable jobs during that time was with the Insurance
Company of North America (INA), the nation’s first joint-stock insurance company.
After moving to Alabama, she worked in various positions for land title companies in
Birmingham and Cullman before ultimately getting the job she was truly meant to do—a
librarian. During her time as a librarian, she was able to marry her life-long love of
reading with a sense of fulfillment from the work she did. Her favorite part of the job was
speaking with patrons about their reading interests and providing new recommendations
for books. She especially loved when patrons returned to tell her how great the
suggestion was, which was a common occurrence. Barbara was a dedicated employee
of the Cullman Country Library from 1998 until her retirement in 2011.
Faith was an important aspect of Barbara’s life. She was an engaged member of the
Jones Chapel United Methodist Church, where she found great comfort and community.
Though it was difficult in later years to attend in-person church services, she loved to
watch live streaming services on her tablet.
Barbara leaves behind Larry Lee, her devoted husband of 46 years who never left her
side; daughters, Barbara Adams (Rodney) and Heather Lee; a sister, Bonnie Rathke; a
brother, Wayne Turner (Susan), and a nephew Josh Rathke (Anne); a great-niece
Kourtney Rathke, and great-nephew Ethan Rathke.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Bonnie Turner and her aunt and
uncle Clifford (Lola) Nebelong.
The family would like to give special thanks to Stephanie Heard RN, Kim Rogers LSW,
and Enhabit Hospice for their compassion, guidance, and support.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
