Nancee Bowling Lee
Nancee Bowling Lee, 88, of Moneta, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, at her home on Smith Mountain Lake, surrounded by her family.
Born and raised in Salem, Virginia, Nancee was the daughter of Oswell Cooper "Pop" Bowling and Ocie Poff Bowling, and one of ten children. She was proud to have earned her degree as a Registered Nurse from Jefferson School of Nursing. While completing a nursing rotation at Chestnut Lodge in Rockville, Maryland, she met Bobby Taylor Lee, who was known to enjoy dating the nurses. In Nancee he found a keeper. They were married on March 7, 1959, and shared 54 years together until Bobby's passing in 2014. Nancee devoted most of her life to her family as a stay-at-home mother and as a steady support to Bobby through the many businesses he owned during their marriage. After her children were grown, she returned to work as an RN, last serving at Asbury Nursing Home in Gaithersburg, Maryland. After making their home in Gaithersburg since their marriage, Nancee and Bobby fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2004 by building a home on Smith Mountain Lake. They retired there in 2007, and Nancee loved being back in her home state, at last!
A devoted follower of Jesus, Nancee was a founding and longtime member of Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church. She treasured studying the Bible and was a faithful member of Bible Study Fellowship for many years. Nancee was a wonderful host who loved to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and she hosted or helped with many family gatherings and reunions over the years. She kept in touch with a remarkable number of people, never missing a chance to mark a special occasion with a card or letter. A skilled gardener, she filled her home and yard with beautiful plants and flowers.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Albert, Cephas, Jack, Dennis, George, Melvin, and Lewis Bowling; and her sisters, Veta Whitt and Odrie Thurlo.
Nancee is survived by her children, Robby Lee (Betty), Andy Lee (Donna), and Tammy Blevins; grandchildren Rebekah Lee, Jason Lee (Katy), Ryan Lee, Alex Lee (Hannah), Ashlee Johnson, Taylor Shepherd (Michael), Nathan Lee (Mary Rose Fontana), Mason Lee (Abby Weaver), and Sara Lee; great-grandchildren Zoey, Jack, Kendall, Silas, Jaxon, Oaklee, Daphne, and Wyatt; many nieces and nephews; Bobby’s Austin-family cousins, who were dear to her; and many other extended family members and friends.
Family and friends are welcome to visit at the family's lake home in Moneta on Friday, November 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please contact the family for the address or directions.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 21, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Sherwood Burial Park in Salem, Virginia, with graveside committal to follow.
Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.
