by S. Rotan Hale
A sizable crowd of friends, relatives, and associates gathered Saturday, June 3 at the Hotel Roanoke Crystal Ballroom to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rev. William and Dana Lee.
Surprised by their two children Aaron and Sarah Lee, who orchestrated the lavish affair, Bill and Dana visibly astonished, stepped through the doors of a room filled with many who stood applauding them both for not just their union but for the years of support and encouragement the two have given to their community on so many levels.
It was truly a grand affair with no roasting, only boasting as several attendees came forward with stories and expressions of the highest esteem in praise of the dynamic couple.
Among those who spoke was Bill’s younger sister Sandy who turned into the event’s keynote speaker with her extremely detailed and engaging account of growing up with her two older brothers. As the middle child of three siblings, the oldest being Buster, “Billy Boy” as he was known in his hometown of Nuttsville in the coastal Rappahannock area of Virginia was a leader early on as Sandy noted in her uplifting account.
“Bill was the chosen one, he was the middle child but led from the top,” she said. “Our mother always trusted him to go to the store which wasn’t close and my being the little sister, naturally I couldn’t be sent alone.”
Bill soon became the “trusted one” in the community as well for other families who also had children of their own. But there he was with “a little money in one pocket and a little money in another pocket,” she said testifying about the young and trusted community handler he became.
Adding balance to the moment she recounted when Dana was introduced to the family.
“I’ve known Dana for fifty years since she came into our family. Ya’ll don’t know my family, all I could say is Lord help this child. But she (Dana) survived,” Sandy said to the highly amused crowd that continued in sustained jovial commotion and laughter throughout her testimony.
Story after story Sandy’s lengthy and humorous account peeked as she adoringly said, “Brother Bill I have watched you grow as a child and I don’t think you realize this but there were so many of us in Nuttsville that were watching you. We would have been lost if it wasn’t for you.”
John and Lavern Tiggle steeped in friendship with the Lee’s for thirty-five years said, “There are friends you call when in trouble and there are friends you call to share a laugh and the Lees are both,” said Lavern who also saluted Dana for the classic sacrificial position she’s held for years as the wife of a preacher that is still so in demand.
Bringing it all together were the two insiders Aaron and Sarah who reflected as only the children of such celebrated honorees could.
“Aaron and I have been a part of our parent’s journey for forty years and we’ve watched them transition through those years,” said Sarah who also praised her mother for her sacrifices as a preacher’s wife ensuring that their “lives as children were not disrupted” by the demands often posed on a pastor’s family.
Sarah also spoke encouragingly on the family’s “amazing” transition once her father “finally retired” after 39 years as pastor of Loudon Avenue Christian Church.
Finally, she complimented her parents on how they allowed her and Aaron to flourish in their own individuality–never insisting on them being this way or that way… and always allowing them to “walk in our truth.”
“You both mean the world to us and we are aware that we are fortunate and blessed to still have you with us and we will continue to celebrate every milestone that you have,” she added.
“It’s a wonderful thing knowing that the Lord loves you unconditionally and just as wonderful when your family does the same,” Dana said leading expressions from the couple. “Unconditional love is what I have for my family. Aaron and Sarah are who they are because our family and friends have poured into them and I am who I am because you all have done the same for me.”
Capping the event Bill said, “Dana and I have tried to raise our children so they would have a normal life – that they didn’t have to be little preachers, and as a result, we struck platinum with our children,” he stated like the classic minister he continues to be. “We struck platinum at Loudon Avenue Christian Church and platinum with all of you here, our friends. I thank God, for who could be more blessed.”
With that, he signaled the after-program party to begin and the good times were continued by all.
