Mrs. Sarah Lee Greenlee, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024.

Funeral service will be held Friday, November 1, 2024 at 12 pm at Trinity AME Zion Church located at 631 East Florida Street in Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation will precede the service at 11:30 am. A Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Service will be held at 11:15 am.

Burial will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 2 pm at Salisbury National Cemetery located at 501 Statesville Boulevard in Salisbury, North Carolina.

If you are reading this prelude, then you know that I am now absent from my earthly body and in the presence of the Lord for eternity. (I have passed from labor to reward before the rapture.)

"A Time To Be Born…"

I was born on March 4, 1924, to the late Emmit Brooks and Queenie Wilson Brooks in Inverness (Citrus County), Florida. I was the eldest of four siblings including my sisters, Margaret Brooks Paige and Dora Whittaker Wright, both of whom preceded me in death, and one brother, Julius Brooks.

"A Time For Knowledge…"

I was educated in the Citrus County (Inverness) Public School System until 8th grade. Unable to continue my education in Inverness due in part to Jim Crow laws at the time, I moved to Lakeland, Florida to complete my secondary education and graduated from high school in the Polk County Public School System. Upon completion of high school, I attended Florida Normal School in St. Augustine, Florida, (now, Florida Memorial University) for 1 year. I transferred to Bethune-Cookman College after receiving a scholarship. Upon completion of my military service as a United States Army WAC, I returned to Bethune-Cookman College to complete my studies and graduated with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education in1951. I received my M.S. degree in Early Childhood Education with emphasis on Children with Learning Disabilities from North Carolina A&T University, in 1975.

"A Time For Service….."

Due to financial constraints, I was unable to remain in college, and enlisted in military service to help me achieve my eventual goals. I served my country with honor, as a member of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II, from 1944-1946, where I was assigned as a cook, nurse's assistant, and worked in the supply room. I was honorably discharged as a Private First Class in early 1946.

"A Time For Work…"

My professional career as an educator, began in Moore Haven (Glades County), Florida. I taught at Booker T. Washington K – 12 grade for 22 years. While there I also directed the school's choral group, and sang in the church choir as well. I remained in close contact with my students over the years and attended all of the BTW Class Reunions after the school closed. Upon leaving Moore Haven and completing my M.S.

Degree from North Carolina A&T University, I taught in the Guilford County Public Schools and retired in 1977.

"A time for God…"

I was both christened as an infant, and accepted Christ as my personal savior at a very early age. Throughout my life, I know that the Lord has guided me always. And I constantly sought to serve Him and praise Him for all of His blessings. As a member of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, I served in many auxiliaries until my health would no longer permit me to remain active. These auxiliaries include: The Daughters of Conference, the March Calendar Club, Sunday School, Sanctuary Choir, Morning Manna, Half Century Club, and avid supporter of the Annual Crop Walk.

"A Time For Love…"

I was blessed to be born into the John & Lucretia Darby Family. From an early age, I was taught that family was one of the most important relationships that one could have in this world. Throughout my life, I was always family oriented, and as much as possible, I never missed an opportunity to fellowship with my entire family, especially The Darby Family Reunions at Thanksgiving.

Shortly after I relocated to Greensboro, I met Henry Greenlee, a wonderful and caring gentleman, who became my friend first, and then later we became husband and wife. I thank God for the wonderful, loving years that Henry and I shared until his death separated us. And because of the deep love I have for family, I embraced his family in love because of his love for me.

"A Time To Laugh And Build Friendships…"

While I traveled often my entire life, I spent my retirement years spending time with family and friends, traveling often, gardening, working within my sorority, making new friends wherever I went and tried my best to live life to its fullest. I cherish the friends with whom I cultivated deep and lasting friendships and am eternally grateful for the bonds that were formed.

"A Time To Die…"

After blessing me to enjoy life and all of its beauty for 100 years and seven months, I heard my Master's Call on Monday, October 28,2024, and entered into His Eternal Presence.

This part of my prelude will be written by my remaining loved ones, family, and friends. I want them to remember me with fond and loving memories:

Cherished memories of our Matriarch will live in the hearts of: Her beloved brother, Julius Brooks, niece, Carol Y. Wright, nephew, Vincent T. Wright, devoted cousin, AnnaMaria A. Toller, and the entire Darby family. Her stepchildren include devoted stepson Norris (Jacqueline) Greenlee as well as Steve Greenlee, Philip (Dora) Greenlee, Henry Greenlee, Jr, Warren (Lori) Greenlee, Kathy (Cirt) Gill and Gregory Greenlee. Additional loved ones include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, God Daughter, Mrs. Annie Ruth Neasman, members of the Delta Sigma Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and a host of friends and other loved ones who have so many memories to cherish.