Published in The Greenville News on Oct. 17, 2008
Thelma Ballentine Lee, 86 of Seneca, S.C., died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008.

She was the daughter of the late William Authur & Clara Cumalander Ballentine. Preceded in death by brothers; Carroll Furman Ballentine, Robert William Ballentine. 

Survived by husband of 64 years, David Carlisle Lee Sr. Daughter and her husband; Anita Lee & Vernon Bowen of Columbia, S.C. Sisters: Miriam Ballentine Leaphart & Jenny Ballentine Bedenbauger, both of Prosperity, S.C. Grandchildren; Samuel Kirkland Bowen III of Columbia, S.C., David "Duke" Carlisle Lee III of Athens, Ga., Martha Ballentine Lee of Covington, Ga., Kay Lee Brown, Catherine Elizabeth Lee of Atlanta, Ga. and many nieces and nephews. 

She was a member of Lydia Bible class and St. Mark UMC, also a member of UMW Circle #2. She was a 1942 graduate of Winthrop College, Life long teacher in Home Economics. She began her teaching career in Monetta, S.C., and continued into Prosperity, Central & Seneca High School.

She retired at the birth of her first grandson. She shared many hobbies, most notable for her huge and prize winning Roses. She served as the treasurer of the SC Rose Society for 10 years. Devoted wife and mother, she especially cherished being a grandmother to Sam, Duke, Martha, Catherine. Her home away from home her Clemson student nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her graciousness, wise council and grace. 

Funeral Services will be held 3 p.m. Friday at St. Mark UMC with Dr. Steve Morgan & Rev. Jeff Childress & Reverend Tom Musselman officiating. Burial will follow in Oconee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1-2:30 p.m. prior to the service. 

Memorials may be made to the OMC Hospice of the Foothills 390 Keowee School Rd, Seneca, SC 29672.
www.brownoglesbyfuneralhome.com