It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nancy Lynn Lee, of Centralia. Nancy was born on Wednesday, June 14, 1950, and departed this life on Friday, August 15, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She was 75 years young. She is the daughter of the late Robert and Mary Shae. In 1976, she married Clincle Lee, and he survives.
Nancy was a devoted educator who touched countless lives throughout her more than 30-year career with the Central City School District, teaching at both Bronson and Jordan schools. She continued her impactful work even after retirement, remaining active in the Jordan Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). A testament to her dedication to education was her receipt of the Friend of Education Award from the Illinois Education Association Region 4 in 2017.
Alongside her professional achievements, Nancy was a cherished member of her community. She received her Master’s in Education from Spaulding University and shared her passion for learning with many young minds. She also taught Parish School of Religion (PSR) classes at St. Mary’s Catholic School for several years, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and knowledge.
Nancy’s warmth and kindness will be dearly missed by her loving family, including her husband, Clincle Lee; her daughter, Amber Rowe; and her grandchildren, Praxton, Prezdon, and Ameerah Rowe. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Ann Bouchard; nieces and nephews, Shauna Shae, Lamont Shae, Savanah Shae, Kimberly Nelson, Tina Sisco, Terry Wayne, Charles; and stepchildren, Clincle Lee Jr., Tracy Lee, Toya Cathy, Kerry Lee, Natsay Lee, and Ladonn Spaulding. Her special friends, Elaine Schlaue, Sandra Johnson, Beth Radernacher, Craig Bland and Brian Husk, along with numerous colleagues and former students, will fondly remember her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Shae, her mother, Mary Shae, and her siblings, Roberta Shae, Shirley Sisco, Darrell Shae, and Douglas Shae and Douglas Biddle.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Nancy’s memory and her remarkable contributions to her family, friends, and community. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.
In remembrance of Nancy, her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to an educational fund for her grandchildren (checks payable to Amber Rowe) or an educational charity of your choice and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Lee family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.y
Her spirit of kindness, dedication to education, and love for her family and friends will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
