1932
2013
Carol Lee Burgess Lea, 80, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at a local medical center in Abilene. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Beltway Park Baptist Church, with Pastor David McQueen officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen F. Owen, Austin L. Owen, Michael F. Owen, Rick M. Burgess, Cary A. Burgess, and Joshua H. Carter. Honorary pallbearer will be Ken Burgess.
Carol was born on October 30, 1932 in San Benito, TX to the late Floyd and Ruby Kennemer Burgess. She later graduated high school from there. After meeting her future husband, Dr. Randall J. Lea, through a mutual friend in Harlingen, TX they fell in love and were married. While still living in Harlingen, their only child Connye was born. They were proud to be able to send Connye to the University of Texas for her education and she would ultimately meet and marry her husband, Stephen and move to Abilene.
After Carol's husband retired from the Air Force, she taught school in Dallas Highland Park ISD as a third grade teacher. Her family later moved to Fredericksburg where she continued as a first grade teacher, for a total of 35 years of teaching experience. Carol and her husband were longtime members of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church and she was a 40 year member of the United Methodist Women in Fredericksburg. She and her husband moved to Abilene from Fredericksburg in 2012 to be closer to their daughter and extended family. Carol attended Beltway Park Baptist Church.
Carol was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was well loved in life and will be greatly missed.
Preceding her in death were her parents. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Randall J. Lea of Abilene; her daughter, Connye Beth Owen and husband, Stephen; her brothers, Rick Burgess of Kerrville and Ken Burgess of Allen, TX; her grandchildren, Austin Lea Owen and Ashley Nicole Owen; and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Harrison.
Memorials may be made in Carol's name to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 17, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Carol Lee. We were in the same schools in San Benito. She also served as a bridesmaid at my wedding. We did not get to visit except at reunions but I will miss her. My sympathy to her family. Sue Reynolds
June 29, 2013
Jennifer Gross
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Carol Lee's passing. I remember her as being such a sweet lady. She was one of my mom's very best friends since they were children, and she loved Carol Lee very much. May God bless you all and give you comfort in your memories of this wonderful woman.
June 25, 2013
Harry Espey
Randall, I am so very sad to hear the news. I have great memories of time with Carol Lee in high school, then with you in the Air force and then with the two of you together. Hope we can get together soon.
June 25, 2013
Fauniel Regester
Randall, she was my friend from grade school on and it is like losing a member of the family. We all loved her. May you have God's peace at this sad time and depend on Him for your help. Love, Fauniel
June 21, 2013
Brenda Lang-Mohr
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Lea. She was my first grade teacher in Fredericksburg from '70 to '71. I just adored her, she was so sweet, kind and patient. She was an inspiration to a life long love of curiosity, wonder and learning. Please accept my condolences.
June 18, 2013
I'm so so sad to hear this news! Mrs. Lea was my first grade teacher in Fredericksburg many many years ago and when my first born attended first grade, I insisted that Mrs. Lea be his teacher. To this day, Ben will tell you that Mrs Lea was always his favorite teacher! Mrs Lea was also a very good friend and co-teacher with my grandmother Mrs Neffendorf. I just got to visit with her last summer right before she was packing to move to Abilene, her and Mr. Lea had come to Andys to eat and I even took pictures of us so I could share with my family. I will truly miss this fine lady like so many others will. I will always remember her soft spoken voice and her love for children including mine. You were a Blessing to so many Mrs. Lea and touched so so many lives. I will see you again some day Mrs. Lea and we will visit again! God Bless your family on this loss - Leslie Wahl Ball
June 15, 2013
Randall, I'm so sorry to hear this. I really liked Carol and missed her at the last reunion. You will be kept in my prayers. God bless you.
Martha Tannery Jones
June 15, 2013
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's love and peace bring you comfort now, and in the days ahead.
Vyrne and Alma Ruth Shofner
June 14, 2013
Randall, I am so sorry to hear this. I am very fond of Carol and have always enjoyed visiting with her at our reunions. Your Nacogdoches friends will be in loving sympathy. God give you His Peace. Joy Prince Coble
June 14, 2013
It has been a long time since our days at A&I. I will always remember the twinkle in her eyes and her bright, happy smile. Carol Lee was a good friend, always positive and caring. I'm very sorry to learn of her passing. She made this world a much better place, and her influence will live on in the lives she touched. My deepest symphaty, Kathryn Sue(Bell) Scaief, Nacogdoches, Texas
June 14, 2013
Maxine Duke
So sorry to hear this news. The Nacogoches classmates of Randall will keep everyone in our prayers.
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