Sister Dessie Mae Gilmore Lee

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2nd Timothy Chapter 4 verse 7

Dessie was born in Roxboro, North Carolina to the late Roy Gilmore and the late Lottie Williams Gilmore. She was the third of seven siblings in her family.

She received her education in the Roxboro School System in Roxboro, North Carolina in Person County.

Dessie relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1958. Throughout her career, she held various positions, including roles at Kline Laundry and Temple Ohev Sholom. She ultimately retired from the Susquehanna Center, which is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Dessie was a member of the Broad Street Church of God in Christ, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior under the guidance of her uncle, Elder Henry Williams. Following the relocation and renaming of the church to Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ, she remained a member there. Dessie dedicated 25 years of service as a Sunday School Teacher and participated actively in the Senior Choir and the Usher Board. In addition, she was committed to teaching Young People's Willing Workers (YPWW) and contributed to the church kitchen alongside her late aunt, Mother Henrietta Williams. She possessed a gift for helping others and demonstrated a profound passion for serving and addressing the needs of those around her. Dessie's devotion to the Lord and her enthusiasm for praising Him were evident throughout her life.

For 18 years, she resided at Morrison Towers, where she developed strong connections with her fellow tenants. Her dedication to the community was evident in her routine preparation of coffee in the kitchen and in her organization of celebrations for Veterans Day and other holidays. In recognition of her contributions, the tenants honored her by dedicating the kitchen in her name, renaming it "Dessie’s Corner." Furthermore, they provided a plaque and a photograph of Dessie to acknowledge her unwavering commitment and service.

She had a deep passion for shopping and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. Additionally, she valued reading her Bible and actively participating in discussions about her faith, serving as a witness to others about the Lord's teachings. Moreover, she derived great satisfaction from engaging in conversations that encouraged and uplifted individuals, as well as spending quality time with her family.

On October 7, 1984, Dessie entered into Holy Matrimony with the late Brother David Lee, the love of her life and the object of her deep affection.

Dessie Mae Lee, at the age of 88, peacefully transitioned into eternal life on Thursday, January 29, 2026, within the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin sons; her sisters, Jewel Gilmore Crutchfield and Lillie B. Gilmore Blackwell; her brothers, Wayne Gilmore, Robert Gilmore and D. R. Gilmore and her husband, David Lee.

Dessie’s life and legacy will be perpetually honored by her devoted daughters, Rachel Link Neals, Connie Link Emerson and Zelma Roberta Mitchell, all residing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by her grandsons, Derrick Link, Darryl Link, Tijai Link, Ahmed Link, Garry Mills, Jr., Clifton Emerson, Jr., Charles Warner and Tyson Jenkins, as well as her granddaughters, Nakia Mills and Shamika Mills. Furthermore, her extensive family includes great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, her sister, Brenda (Larry) Murphy and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Her life will be celebrated with a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.