Marian Mossell Lewis

Marian Mossell Lee

1947 - 2025

Marian Mossell Lee-Lewis passed away on May 25, 2025, at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, California, following complications of a motor vehicle accident. Born in Wilmington, DE, on November 25, 1947, she was the only daughter of the late Forrester Ashe Lee, Sr., and Jeanne Catherine Robinson. After her formative early years in Plainfield, New Jersey, she attended Bennington College in Vermont before embarking on a lifelong career as a writer, journalist, and poet. Her poetry and fiction have won awards, and she has been invited to speak in venues ranging from Yale University to homeless shelters in Baltimore, Maryland. She has written two books: A Settling of Crows and an autobiography, From My Lips to God's Ear: The Joanne Collins Story. Her political commentary and analysis have been published in over 50 media outlets across the country and abroad. She was the first African American female columnist for a Gannett newspaper in Wilmington, Delaware. Her most productive years were spent in Baltimore, Maryland, after which she moved to California to live near her daughters. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Forrester A. Lee, Jr., of New Haven, CT; her children, Dr. Aki S. Puryear of Indianapolis, IN, Love L. Beach of San Bernardino, CA, and Martina M. Lee of Los Angeles, CA; nieces NTanya R. Lee of Philadelphia, PA; Dr. Alicia V. Lee of Clarksville, MD, and Tanner A. Lee of Hamden, CT; and grandchildren, Aki Jr., Aubrey, Theo, and Esme Puryear; Journey F. Streams, and Harmony M. Streams; and many other relatives and close friends. Per her wishes, Marian was cremated, and her remains returned to the family. A memorial service is planned.