Audrey Jenkins Lee

Audrey J. Lee, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Audrey was born on October 4, 1945, to the late Archie Jenkins Sr. and Pernella Ranson Jenkins. She was the third oldest child of 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls. Audrey was a lifelong resident of New Orleans. She graduated from Walter L. Cohen Senior High School in 1963 and obtained a Bachelor of Social Work at Southern University in New Orleans. She received a Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Xavier University in New Orleans in 1988. She worked for many years as a social worker in the Office of Children Services (OCS) for the State of Louisiana. Several years after retiring from OCS, she began working at the Clerk of Second City Court’s office, retiring in 2021. Audrey married the love of her life, Leonard Lee, a member of the popular musical duo of the 1950’s “Shirley & Lee” in 1971. They enjoyed life together. Leonard was a loving and devoted stepfather to Audrey’s son, Ronnie McMaster. and to their union, a daughter, Nikki Lee, was born in 1972. Sadly, Leonard passed away in 1976. Audrey was an active member of the Walter L. Cohen Class of 1963 Alumni Association. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated for 35 years. Audrey was also a devoted member of St. Luke Chapter# 171 Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated, LA Jurisdiction (Past Worthy Matron and Past Treasurer); Jericho Court #36 Pelican Grand Court, Order of Cyrene, Prince Hall Affiliated, LA Jurisdiction (Treasurer); Abigail Court #7 Byron S. Gray Sr., Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, Prince Hall Affiliated, LA Jurisdiction; Platta Court #114 Daughters of the Imperial Court, Prince Hall Affiliated, Louisiana Jurisdiction (Past Commandress and Past Treasurer); Akilah Court #25 Daughters of the Imperial Court, Prince Hall Affiliated, Louisiana Jurisdiction. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Pernella Jenkins; husband, Leonard Lee; son, Ronnie McMaster; two brothers, Wilbert Jenkins and Archie Jenkins, Jr.; a sister, Lucille Jenkins Thompson She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter Nikki Lee; two grandsons, Ronnie McMaster, Jr., and Ronnie Neal; one granddaughter, Calandra McMaster; four great grandchildren, Cassydi Lewis, Fard Sims, Ryker Neal, and Christopher Neal; Sisters, Maynell Jenkins Roth, and Gwendolyn Jenkins; two brothers Nelson Jenkins and Leroy Jenkins; two sisters-in law, Marguerite Jenkins, and Barbara Jenkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also Class of 1963, Walter L. Cohen Alumni Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated New Orleans Alumnae Chapter, St. Luke Chapter #171 Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated, LA Jurisdiction (Past Worthy Matron and Past Treasurer), Jericho Court #36 Pelican Grand Court, Order of Cyrene, Prince Hall Affiliated, Louisiana Jurisdiction, Abigail Court #7 Byron S. Gray Sr., Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, Prince Hall Affiliated, LA, Platta Court #114 Daughters of the Imperial Court, Prince Hall Affiliated, Louisiana Jurisdiction (Past Commandress and Past Treasurer), Akilah Court #25 Daughter of the Imperial court, Prince Hall Affiliated, Louisiana Jurisdiction and Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Paul Morton. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Family, friends, and former co-workers are invited to attend the funeral. A celebration of Audrey’s life will be held at Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church, 5600 Read Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127 on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 11:00 am. Visitation at 10am. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.