LOUISBURG - Fannie Leen Rhew Lee, 97, of Louisburg died Saturday, June 13, 2015. She was born April 9, 1918, in Person County, NC, to Daniel Ruffin Rhew and Eddith Lyndell Clayton, the second of nine children. Leen's twin, a boy, died shortly after birth.

Leen attended Person County schools and graduated from Helena High in 1936.

Following high school, Leen worked at Colin and Aikman where she met Archie Lee, her supervisor, who just happened to be tall, dark, and handsome. They married on April 9, 1947. Together they ran Western Auto in Roxboro, and in 1958 moved to Louisburg where they owned and operated Economy Auto until the business closed. They enjoyed their neighbors, were active in community and church, and worked together in their large vegetable garden each year. They enjoyed fifty years until Archie died just two weeks after their wedding anniversary. Leen missed him terribly and could never bring herself to toss out his smoking pipe.

Leen epitomized the values of modesty, virtue, and thrift throughout her life. Being the oldest daughter in the family, she learned to do everything necessary to keep the home clean and comfortable. She loved family and spent many hours visiting with various members of both her own and Archie's loved ones. She was an excellent cook and neat and tidy at everything she did. She loved children, and though she never had any of her own, she showered her love on her eight nephews and five nieces, whom she received with open arms and nourished with scrumptious meals at her table. In addition, she nurtured the little children she taught in Sunday school over many, many years of church service. An active participant in church and community, Leen cherished times when all her siblings could be together, especially after a brother and sister and their families moved out West. She will be fondly remembered and missed as a spunky, independent little lady. During her waning years, she enjoyed doing things that kept her mind active.

She was the last living of nine children, being preceded in death by sisters, Dora Dixon, and Winsome Knight; and brothers, John, Billy, Buddy, Stedman, Daniel, and Bedford Rhew.

The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the tender care rendered by Martha Riggan throughout the decline of their dear aunt and to all of those at the Louisburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center during the last two years.

A visitation of family and friends was held on Monday June 15, 2015 from 10:00-10:45am at Louisburg United Methodist Church, where funeral services followed at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Madison Hankal officiating. Burial was at Person Memorial Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. also on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Louisburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 667, Louisburg, NC 27549. Lancaster Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com.