Effie Beatrice (Gilliam) 'Bea' Lee

Effie Beatrice Gilliam Lee - affectionately known as "Bea" peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at her home in Emporia, Virginia surrounded by family. She was the second of five children born to the late Theopolis and Marion Davis Gilliam on February 14, 1955 in Franklin, Virginia.

At an early age, Bea was baptized and joined the Oak Grove Baptist Church. She later joined the Rising Star Baptist Church in Ante, Virginia where she worked diligently in several ministries. Even after her health failed and she was not able to attend regularly, she assisted her husband at home as he carried out his duties for the church.

Bea was educated in the public schools of Greensville County, Virginia. It was here that she met many of her friends that she remained connected to throughout her life. Very early in life, she developed a strong personality and an adventurous spirit. Her parents raised their children to stick together and look out for one another. Family was important and throughout her life she demonstrated her love for not only her own family, but also the persons that came into her world through their families. Growing up, she developed a special relationship with two cousins who became like brothers to her - Jerome and Glenn - both born in 1955 and preceded her in death.

Early in life, Bea met and married Estee Robinson, Jr. and to this union her three children were born - Eric, Erica, and Edwin. She later married Larry Jones and added her bonus daughters - Toni and DeeDee. Her bonus son, Rodney, was added when she married Wyatt Lee, her husband of more than 30 years who preceded her in death in 2023.

After Erica was born, she started her first job at "The Bakery". She enjoyed working, learned a lot and met many persons who became her friends. Her adventurous spirit and desire for better employment led her to get her CDL and she began to drive 'big rigs'. She later obtained employment with Federal Express where she retired from when her health failed. She met many people who she kept in contact with and visited regularly.

Bea loved to cook and nothing made her happier than to delight you with her specialties - coconut pies, cornbread dressing, baked spaghetti and potato salad - just to name a few. Thanksgiving dinners were not quite the same if those items were missing. She also loved playing bingo, cards and other games.

Bea loved family and would spend time visiting them and keeping up with the happenings in the family. She loved children and her sense of adventure made them love to spend time with her. She would keep them 'in stitches' of laughter, but they knew not to get out of line. In 1991, when her first grandchild, Kayla, was born, she could have clearly been named the 'happiest woman in the world'. Her heart continued to expand when Kadaja came along nine years later and 'EJ' the following year. Although her health was declining, her face would always light up when her great granddaughters, Lyric and Skye, were present. She adored them.

Loving memories will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her children - Eric Robinson (Letitia) of Jarratt, VA, Erica Robinson (Lavon) of Emporia, VA, and Edwin Robinson (Rishaunda) of Richmond, VA; bonus children - Toni Hardesty (Bill) of Stafford, VA, DeeDee Jones of Fredericksburg, VA and Rodney Lee (LaChanda) of Dinwiddie, VA; two granddaughters - Kayla Robinson and Kadaja Tennessee of Emporia, VA; one grandson - Eric 'EJ' Robinson, Jr. of Fayetteville, NC; two great granddaughters - Lyric and Skye Robinson; bonus grandchildren - Jordan Robinson, Christian Lawrence, Rondalyn Poole, Nichole Lawrence, Felix Lawrence, Tyler Lee (Tammie), Alexander Lee, Ashton Lee, Tynika and Talore Hardesty; two sisters - Belinda G. Porch of Laurel, MD and Nannie G. Britt of Jarratt, VA; two brothers - Dr. Theopolis Gilliam, Jr. (Rhonda) of Emporia, VA and Shelford A. Gilliam of Bowie, MD; one sister-in-law - Queen Lee Johnson of Emporia, VA; devoted friends - Oscar and Briggette Tyler of Emporia, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, bonus great grandchildren, cousins and other family and friends.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Lee's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mrs. Effie Beatrice Gilliam Lee.

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

***TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED***

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