Louise Howell Lee was born August 27, 1947 in Columbia, South Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of the late William and Bertha Wragg Howell. She departed this earthly life on Monday, May 30, 2017 at Providence Hospital in Columbia.

Louise was educated in the public schools of Richland District One, graduating from the historic Booker T. Washington High School. She was married to (the late) SSG Herman Lieutenant Lee, Jr., whom she traveled with to Hanau and Gelenhausen, Germany; Fort Meade, Maryland; Fort Hood, Texas; and Fort Stewart, Georgia.

She was a licensed, professional seamstress. Louise went in to attend Midlands Technical College where she received a Nursing Assistant Certificate. She also managed several small businesses throughout South Carolina where she became a “mom” to many.

“Katie Lou” as we knew her, or “Katie” as she said it was, entered the room with a smile and was always willing to help anyone who was in need or struggling. Though she is no longer with us, there has never been or ever will be another “Katie” like ours.

Those who will cherish fond and precious memories of Louise are: her loving daughters, Shermell Lee (SFC (Ret.) David) Williams of Middleburg, Florida and Tamatha Renee Lee of Columbia, South Carolina; four grandchildren: DeVonté, Zhané, Eric and DeAndré; her devoted sisters, Westdrena (COL (Ret.) Frank) Smith of Fayetteville, Georgia and Peggy Goodwine of Columbia, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnephews, other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom join the family in sharing the grief caused by her departure.