Ivy D. Lee, a cherished mother, devoted teacher, and beloved friend, passed away on August 7, 2025, in Newport News, Virginia, at the age of 84. Born on March 9, 1941, in Plaisance, Louisiana, Ivy’s life was a testament to her dedication to education, her faith, and her deep love for family and community.
Ivy earned a Master’s Degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, and went on to inspire countless students throughout her career as a teacher at Eunice High School in Louisiana, and later at Warwick High School and Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia. Alongside her role as an educator in Newport News, Ivy was also known for her spirited leadership as a cheerleading coach at both schools, encouraging young minds and fostering team spirit with her boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ivy was a dedicated member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, where she found a sense of community and spiritual fulfillment. Her life’s journey was marked by her passions for travel, her knack for crossword puzzles, her culinary talents, and most importantly, her unwavering commitment to spending quality time with her loved ones.
Ivy was preceded in death by her parents, Lonias C. Daniel and Clem Daniel; her sister, Rose Marie Daniel Mayes; her brother, Joseph Leron Daniel; her niece, Doan Demonia Daniel; and her nephew, Kelly T. Daniel.
Left to cherish her loving memory and carry forward her legacy of love of God, family, and community are her daughter, Michelle Carroll (Louis); her son, Michael Lee, both of Newport News, VA; her brothers, Lawrence D. Daniel (Jeannie) of Arlington, TX, and Lee Roy Daniel (Nell) of Vancouver, WA; her godchild, Tiffany Baker of Spring, TX; her aunts, Edna Mae Charles and Vinell Charles of Jennings, LA; and her best friend, Gladys Jordan of Newport News, VA. She will also be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Ivy’s life will be held on August 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Jerome Catholic Church, located at 116 Denbigh Blvd, Newport News, VA 23608, with a reception immediately following. In honor of Ivy’s joyful spirit, the family kindly requests that attendees wear blue or other vibrant colors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cancer Research Institute or St. Jerome Catholic Church.
As we remember Ivy, we celebrate a life filled with grace, wisdom, and an unyielding dedication to those she loved. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.