Marie Lee Bumgarner

Raleigh - Marie Lee Bumgarner, 81, died 11 October at Wake Assisted Living. Born in Johnston County5 March 1932, Marie was the daughter of Ora Strickland and Rupert Bernard Lee. Visitation 7-9 PM, Sunday, 13 October, Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh. Graveside celebration of life 11 AM, Monday, 14 October, Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh with the Reverend Aleta Ash presiding. Marie attended Smithfield High School and Campbell College. After moving to Raleigh, she worked at the library of N.C. State College and met her husband Tom at Miss Rubys boardinghouse on Woodburn Road. After marrying Tom, they moved to Greensboro and soon returned to Raleigh to raise their two sons and work in state government. Marie is survived by her husband of 58 years, Tom Bumgarner; son Bernie Bumgarner and wife Donna; son Lee Bumgarner and wife Alisa Huffman; and grandchildren Cameron, Rebecca, Tristan, and Houston. Even with dementia, Marie exhibited unflagging spirit, strong will, and exuberance for life. Pre-deceased by siblings Bernard Lee, Cecilia Hathaway and Rachel Allen, Marie remembered priming and cropping tobacco in the hot Johnston County sun. After retirement from public service, Marie volunteered with her husband Tom at J.C. Raulston Arboretum and made many friends in the Young at Heart Senior Club, Gardeners of Wake County Club, Raleigh Hemerocallis Club, Triangle Herb Society, and Triangle Camellia Society. She especially enjoyed bowling, a late-in-life passion. Marie was a long-time member of Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church and a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. The family thanks the staff of Wake Assisted Living, Homechoice Healthcare, Claire Bridge of Cary, Rex Hospital, and Dr. Steven Liebowitz. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bumgarner JCRA Endowment, J.C. Raulston Arboretum, Campus Box 7422, Raleigh, NC 27695.