Alice Carolyn Crumpler Lee

Alice Carolyn Crumpler Simpson Lee, 80, passed away on November 13, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Burlington surrounded by her family. She was born on June 27, 1943, in Cumberland County, NC, to Wilbert Lee Crumpler and Geneva Warren Crumpler.

As a teenager, Carolyn moved with her family to Burlington, where she graduated from Williams High School. She worked for years as a seamstress in the textile industry but had many special talents outside of her vocation. Blessed with creativity and an eye for decorating, she opened her own craft store called Country Lane in the 1980s. Her small business was eventually featured in a local newspaper article, and throughout her life, she maintained her passion for decorating for holidays, weddings and other special occasions. She was especially known for her elaborate decorations during the Christmas season. She created wreaths and was skilled at flower arrangements, painting figurines and numerous other artistic projects.

She also expressed herself through acting, singing and playing the piano. She participated in stage productions during her early years and in later years, appeared in a movie. She sang hymns about her beloved Jesus and had a special fondness for Sunday mornings dedicated to watching Charles Stanley.

Carolyn was an accomplished cook and took great pleasure in making favorite dishes for her family. She was known as a skilled baker and enjoyed experimenting with different flavorings for cakes and other goodies. Scores of family members, friends and acquaintances were fortunate enough to savor her pound cakes, pies and other sweet delights.

Carolyn was also well-known for her wry sense of humor and quick wit. With a gleam in her eye and a well-timed delivery, she enjoyed making people laugh, but she also had a generous heart and welcoming spirit. She selflessly and often quietly helped others in need.

Above all, Carolyn was deeply devoted to her faith and her family. She was the loving wife of nearly 44 years to Rowland Edward Lee, and was affectionately known as Granny to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters Ronda “Lisa” Simpson Clark (Luis Perez) and Carla Ann Jones (Starr), both of Burlington, and special son-in-law Randy Clark, of Snow Camp; her grandchildren Nichole Potts (Steven), of Gibsonville, Megan Simmons (Drew), of Elon, Jon Clark (Lindsay), of Saxapahaw, Ashley Clark, of Snow Camp, Aaron Jones, and Chloe Jones, both of Burlington; her great-grandchildren Grace, Elijah, Naomi, Faith, Jude, and Malachi Potts; Makayla Eastwood (Ty), Addison, David, Avery, Lincoln, Magnolia and Ashton Simmons; Cayden Clark; Collin Poteat and Owen Clark.

Carolyn also leaves behind her siblings Joyce Poole, of Salemburg, Aubrey Crumpler (Ohna), Nelson Crumpler, and Frances Keen, all of Saxapahaw. Additionally, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rowland Lee; her parents, Wilbert Crumpler and Geneva Warren Crumpler, as well as her brothers Linwood Crumpler and Ted Crumpler; and her best friend of many years, Delores Perry.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 in the Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Pastor Steven Potts with the burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park.