Margaret D. Lee

Margaret Ellen Derrick Lee, 100, of Aiken, SC, the widow of Fitzhugh Lee, Jr., passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at her home.

Surviving are her sons, Derrick (Kathy) Lee and Arthur (Jeanie) Lee both of Aiken; a sister, Mary D. (Charles “Bunk”) Grandy of Aiken; six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and ten nieces and nephews.

Born October 25, 1925 in Aiken, SC, she was the daughter of the late Elijah McKelder (‘Lige) and Leone Davis Derrick of Ridge Spring, S.C.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother (James A. Derrick of Ridge Spring), and two daughters (Ellenanne Hester and Rebecca Davis, both of Greenwood, S.C.) Margaret was the valedictorian of her 1942 graduation class at Ridge Spring High School.

Graduating from Lander University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1946, Margaret was awarded the Donaldson Award for the best all-around senior. She received her Masters degree from the University of South Carolina in 1975. Beginning her teaching career at Duncan High School (now James F. Byrnes) in Spartanburg County, Margaret later retired from Aiken County Public Schools after 30 years of service. Having taught at LBC High School and Aiken Junior High School, she later served in administrative positions at the District Office.

She was awarded the 2008 Grace Iler Award for outstanding alumni service from Lander University. She was a fifty year member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Beta Delta Chapter.

As an original member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aiken she continued her membership there throughout her lifetime. Margaret served as a Sunday School teacher, an instructor of first communicants, was on the Altar Guild, the Worship and Music committee, the prayer chain and was active in Women of the Lutheran Church America. When the church relocated to Trail Ridge Road in 1996 she was the Chair of the Mission Coordinating Team. The fellowship building was named in her honor.

Margaret’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Shirley Williamson for her many, many years of love and care giving. Additionally thanks to Cindy Crawford, the ladies of Hands of Life Home Care and Gentiva Hospice for the giving of their time and talents.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Tuesday, January 13th at St. Paul Lutheran Church at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends at 12:00 PM in the fellowship hall. Interment will follow the service in Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Stewart Lee, Ric Patton, Chris Dunkerly, Chuck Grandy, Glen Grandy and Mike Grandy.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC