The 2009 award winners are Alex and Mary Lee who have served the Garner community for more than 30 years. The Lees operate the Bryan Lee Funeral Home, which opened in January, 1977.
For more than 33 years, Mary and Alex have served families in Garner. Just as ministers of the Gospel are called to the ministry, Alex views his profession as a calling to serve families in a time of their bereavement. Serving bereaved families requires not only a technical knowledge, but also requires an understanding of how to deal with the emotional needs during a time of loss.
Operating the funeral home is more than a business to Mary and Alex. It is an opportunity to serve people during some of the most difficult days of a bereaved family’s life.
Because death has no boundaries as it relates to age, race or financial status, Alex and Mary are placed in positions where they deal not only with emotional issues, but many times where families face financial limitations. Alex and Mary operate their business on the basic principal of every person deserves respect in life and in death. Every person, regardless of age, race or financial resources deserves a respectful and proper burial.
Alex was brought up in Wake County and is a 1968 graduate of Garner High School. He met Mary in Cincinnati, Ohio when he was in mortuary school. They married and returned to Garner to live and raise their family.
His passion for the town of Garner is evidenced by the many areas in which he has served. He is Mason in Lodge 701 and has been a member of the Garner Lions Club since 1977.
Mary is active in the Garner Woman’s Club, the American Business Women’s Association and in women’s ministry at church.
They support community events personally and financially. They are long-time supporters of the Garner Towne Players and numerous fundraisers. They participate in a variety of civic and church opportunities.
The Lees quietly help many people, charities and organizations on a variety of fronts without bringing attention to themselves or their business.
They contribute with their financial resources, their talents, their experience, their passion for people and often do it behind the scenes or without public acknowledgment.
Their service comes from the heart.
Mary and Alex have two sons. Sheridan is married to the former Allison Watkins and Paul is married to the former Jamie Marks. They have one grandson, Bryan. All of these family members call Garner home.
The public is invited to attend this event as we honor this year’s recipients. Advance tickets are required and may be purchased for $7.50 at the following locations:
▪ Garner Town Hall – 919-772-4688
▪ Garner Chamber of Commerce – 919-772-6440
The James R. Stevens Award was established in 1988 by a group of Garner area citizens in cooperation with the Town of Garner and the Chamber of Commerce to recognize special individuals who offer years of dedicated service to Garner.
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