Lydia Lee Rasor

Lee Rasor, 92, of Decatur, Georgia, formerly of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, died of cardiac arrest on Monday, February 28, 2011. Lee was born in Hope, Arkansas, on July 4, 1918. A lifelong Democrat, she was very proud to call Hope “home” and to share a birthplace with President Bill Clinton. She loved celebrating her birthday on July 4, saying that the whole country celebrated with her! Lee was a truly special person and everyone who knew her loved her. Her faith in God, generosity of spirit, loving nature and grace-filled life were the richest of blessings to family and friends. Lee spent most of her life on East Beach on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Her home was always open to family, friends, co-workers and especially to those who were “strangers in a foreign land.” Her hospitality was legendary. She worked for approximately 30 years as Financial Secretary at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and in her spare time loved to play golf at the Gulf Hills Country Club and care for her many collies. She was an active and faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school and serving her church and community in numerous leadership positions. Lee worked in many volunteer groups and especially enjoyed her local and state work with the PTA. She loved the Atlanta Braves and was thrilled to attend her first game in Atlanta when she was 80 years old. Many loved ones cherish her memory, including son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Susan Rasor of Decatur, Georgia; grandson, Joshua Rasor of Asheville, NC; adopted granddaughter, Susanna Miller of Zirconia, NC and nephew, Sterling Garner of Marietta, GA. She is also survived by niece, Jean Garner (John) of Columbus, MS and nephew, Bobby Garner of Columbus, MS. Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edgar Rasor of Ocean Springs; daughter, Eleanor Rasor Appman of Jamestown, TN and siblings, Shirley Schooley and Frances Garner. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. William Hardcastle, Dr. Kenneth Hoose, and the wonderful nurses, therapists and other caregivers at Dekalb Medical Center ICU. A celebration of Lee’s life will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia. Interment will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Floral Hills Cemetery, Gulfport, MS. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Embry Hills United Methodist Church or to your favorite charity. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.