January 24, 2026 at 7:40 a.m.
By Jewell Rittman Family Funeral Home
Patricia Ann Lee, 69, of Columbus, passed away Monday January 19, 206 following an automobile accident. She was born April 8, 1956 in Columbia, Kentucky, the daughter of Starlin and Vera Burris.
Patricia had many joys in her life, but her main joy was her Jesus, Her Family and Her Church. She loved being a Pastor’s wife. She was a beacon of faith, hope and love for so many people. She was the perfect Example of a Proverbs 31 wife. Patricia loved giving people gifts. She thought of everyone and she never forgot a birthday. Patricia put everything she had into her children. She taught them music and instilled in them the love of Jesus. She was a Sunday School teacher, not only to her children, but to many others, including her grandchildren. Her main goal was to teach the Bible and in a way that anyone could understand.
Right out of high School she married her high school sweetheart. The love she had for her husband was undeniable. She was a lifetime member of The New Vision Community Church where her husband has been the Pastor for 42 years. Her support for him was evident as she stood by his side in every way.
Patricia loved being a mother and wife. Those roles meant the world to her, but becoming a grandmother really blessed her. Each one was special to her, and she spoiled them in different ways. Each grandchild was rocked in the same rocking chair and sang the hymn, “In the Sweet By and By”.
Another important role for Patricia was being a daughter and sister. The relationship she had with her mother was unique and beautiful. She loved being with her mom and had many special moments with her.
Patricia loved going to concerts with her husband and mother. She loved her weekly trips to the Dollar Tree, as well as cooking amazing food for her family. She always had a Cool Whip bowl to put extra food in so everyone could have their own bowl. And written with a permanent marker, each bowl would tell that person how much she loved them on the lids. She also loved to defeat her kids and grandkids in Uno and Aggravation. And if you tried to cheat, she would tell Jesus on you. Patricia loved cardinals as well. She believed they were a sign from Heaven that someone you love is nearby.
Patricia believed in Heaven. The Bible says that He will build a mansion for us in glory, but for her, a cabin will do. Her biggest prayer was to spend eternity in Heaven with her family and friends. When you had big news, you couldn’t wait to tell her. Her reaction to news was always big no matter the subject. Imagine the reaction you will get at the gates of Heaven when she welcomes you in. That is what she lived for. She always claimed the goodness of God. In this time of heartbreak, that is what we all need to hold onto. His goodness will shine because Jesus lived through Patricia. Deep down she knew this world wasn’t home… As she walked through the pearly gates, she was welcomed in as a good and faithful servant.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Wayne; her daughter, Sarah (Ronnie) Chapman; her son, Matthew (Lisa) Lee; her mother, Vera Burris; her brothers, Dale and Terry Burris; her grandchildren, Ethan Lee, Katarina Lee and Paige Chapman; her nieces, Kasey Burris and Misty Spencer and her nephews, Josh and Cory Burris. She was preceded in death by her father, Starlin Burris.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory with Ronnie Chapman officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Garland Brook Cemetery. Friends are invited to the visitation which will be held on Monday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from Noon until the service time at the funeral home.
You are invited to send condolences to the Lee family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com.
