Darlene Clements Lee

Darlene Clements Lee, born on September 14, 1951, was called home peacefully to our Lord at her residence surrounded by family on August 17, 2024, at a very young 72. Born in Baton Rouge, LA, Darlene came into this world the same way she left, a shining light and beacon of joy. Her infectious personality and purity of heart left an impression on each and every person she met, none of whom were a stranger. 

As an adolescent she attended Sacred Heart and moved on to St. Anthony High School prior to its closing which turned into the rest of her life. Darlene transferred into Istrouma High School as a sophomore and as fate would have it, she met her soul mate, best friend and life partner…Mike Lee. As high school sweethearts they would fall madly in love and build a lasting legacy of Faith and Love. Life plans sent Mike to LSU and Darlene to OLOL Nursing School, where she would selflessly pivot to support her new husband at LSU Dental School in New Orleans. This would prove to be a turning point in their lives as they would soon be blessed with a child, a son to bring her joy and daily companionship. With dreams coming true and her husband, now Dr. Mike Lee, DDS, honorably serving his country as a Captain in the ARMY, a move to Augusta GA and Fort Gordon was in order. Blessings would continue to shine down as they welcomed another bundle of joy, a daughter. Shrouded with the immeasurable joy of her growing son and sweet new daughter, Darlene enthusiastically embraced motherhood and building a home while preparing for what the next chapter would reveal…Baton Rouge calling the family back home. 

Moving the family back home, she was immediately setting the foundation for a blessed life in south Baton Rouge. With a new house, countless kid’s event’s and extracurricular commitments, coupled with working as a dental assistant/office manager in a new dental practice, the blessing of another child did not phase her one bit, another daughter to raise. Darlene moved her kids (and many others) around the city, into and out of middle school, high school and college all while fulfilling obligations in numerous clubs and volunteer roles…baseball, football, summer camps and practices, weekend tournaments, select sports, dance recitals, mother’s club, women’s auxiliary, cafeteria duty, carpool…the list is extensive, oh yea, and dinner was on the table EVERY night by 6:30pm, do not be late. She excelled in face-paced, nonstop action when it involved her family. Long days and late nights along with unlimited menu items, she was unrivaled in the kitchen and served every bit of food with the love only a mother can deliver. 

While it’s hard to believe life could get better or love could grow deeper, she blessed the lives of her four grandkids and two great grandkids time and again. Affectionately and fiercely known as MiMi, no one could cook the same, say something as funny, make anything smell as good or make the pain go away as fast as she could. The word “No” was not in her vocabulary, gracious and generous to her own detriment, if one of her babies needed anything the answer was always an unconditional “Yes”. Her self-proclaimed greatest gift in life were the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren…nothing will ever match or replace that MiMi smile coming from the kitchen window. 

Darlene deeply cherished the 40+ years of trips back and forth to the sandy beaches of Gulf Shores and Destin with her family and friends. Later in life she would cherish spending precious moments with the GRITS (you know who you are) - so many trips and memories…good food, good drinks and great golf, no one loved a beach trip more. If she wasn’t at the beach you would likely find her at a parade; Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s, Italian Festival…did not matter, she and Susan Weber were there, others might show up but rest assured, those two “Besties” would be there. 

Mike and Darlene traveled extensively seeing the world, seeing the sites, playing golf and sharing the most valuable gift two souls can share…time and they wasted none of it. They built a dream home together and packed it full of love and extra space for the family…and the extra rooms never stayed empty…anyone anytime had a place to stay along with a huge batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies and treats from Costco. 

While Darlene knew how to entertain with a gracious hospitality that outclassed most Darlene’s super power and gift from God included the ability to love, show kindness, sympathy and empathy, expressive caring and selfless understanding of humanity with a once in a lifetime next level love that takes your breath away. 

We have been blessed on this journey to have had such a special person guiding and shaping the lives of so many. Even at the end of her journey, for a solid year and acknowledging her fate she leaned into each and every day with courage, an unwavering sense of purpose and selfless determination to win for her family and friends. 

Darlene’s life revolved around being a loving wife for her husband, as well as being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; a devoted member of Pelican Point and the Ladies Golf Association, and steadfast, faithful Catholic and St. George Catholic Church parishioner. 

Darlene is survived by her devoted husband of 52-1/2 years, Dr. R. Michael Lee; son, Christopher Lee, Sr. (wife Courtney); daughters, Denise Lee Stari (husband Jordan), Lauren Lee Morgan; sister, Rita Clements Doucet (husband Ronald); grandchildren, Christopher Lee, Jr. (wife Rayleigh), Carson Lee, Vivian Morgan, Lucy Kate Stari; and great-grandchildren, Norrey Lee and Christopher Lee, III. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas W. Clements, Jr., and Rita Marian Pearl Boudreaux Clements; and brother, Thomas W. “Billy” Clements, III. 

Visitation will take place at St. George Catholic Church on Thursday, August 22, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM. Burial to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Garret Venable, PA Katelyn Hinricher, all of the wonderful NCCU/ICU and Rehab nurses at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, the caring staff of Hospice of Baton Rouge, the Catholic High School prayer group, all the various friends and family members who brought countless meals, cookies and flowers. 

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to The National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos (www.seelos.org) and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.