Promise Nathaniel Lee

Promise Nathaniel Lee passed away in his home on September 14, 2026 at the age of 92. He was born on January 6, 1934 in Kohrville, Texas. Named by his grandfather, his parents were told to name him Promise and call him Son (a West Africa naming tradition). Dutifully, he was affectionately called Son by his siblings, parents, extended family and community. Promise was the youngest of seven children. He entertainingly told stories of his oldest sister doling out discipline as if he were one of her own children.

Promise gave his life to Christ at a young age attending Pilgrim Branch Baptist Church in Khorville, Texas. He was a faithful member of Relevant Word Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the past three decades.

He excelled at many sports: baseball and football in his youth, boxing and golf as a young man, and later, shooting pool and especially playing darts; a passion he pursued well into his senior adult years and later taught to area youth.

In 1955, after being introduced to Fannie by his older sister, Promise was determined to woo this Louisiana beauty who would become the love of his life. His handsome looks certainly helped, but to impress her, he invited Fannie to watch him “show out” on the baseball field during a game at his local YMCA. After courting her for a while, Promise asked Fannie for her hand in marriage. This began a love story that spanned seventy-one-years and produced four sons, one daughter and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Promise supported his young family through his twenty-one-year career in the United States Air Force in service to his country. He served in multiple posts with assignments throughout the USA, Canada, the Providence(s) of Labrador and Newfoundland, and Japan. He was especially proud of his assignment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in the 1960’s. Having had a full career, Promise retired in 1974 at the rank of Technical Sergeant.

A proud graduate of Texas Southern University, Promise embraced education and continued to be an enthusiastic learner throughout his life. He was fluent in French, Spanish and Sign Language. After retiring from the Air Force, he began a career in education, first with the Aldine ISD, next with the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and later through other teaching opportunities.

He was preceded in death by his parents Addie and Pleze Lee, his biological father Louis Jeffery, his three brothers Buster, Vennon and Pleze Jr., and his three sisters Vesteree, Mildred and Bernice.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Fannie; his children Promise Lee, Thomas Lee (Angela), Charmas Lee (Janice), Thumas Lee (Esther), and Regina Blackburn (Brian); and a plethora of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of Promise's life will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Relevant Word Ministries, 1040 S. Institute St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.