Obituary of Neva Wanetta Lee

Neva Wanetta (Bailey) Lee, age 91 years, passed away July 23, 2018 at The Springs in Wilsonville, Oregon. She was known for her love of family and her servants’ heart. Neva was born June 30, 1927 in Genoa, Nebraska to Ray Lawrence Bailey and Serena Verne (Harper) Bailey. Neva spoke fondly about her years in Nebraska on the family farm. In 1944 the Bailey family, along with Neva and her 8 siblings, moved Oregon, settling in Willamina. Neva's first job was as a Switchboard Operator for Pacific Bell Telephone Company. While at work one day Neva met the love of her life, Oscar "Sox" Lee, who was home on leave from the Navy.She assisted him in placing a call. Afterward, Sox called Neva back and asked her out on a date, and she hung up on him! The rest is history. They married April 18,1946 and together they raised daughters Patricia and Cynthia. Neva was a member of the Willamina Christian Church where she taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, sang in the Choir with her two daughters, assisted in the nursery, and served as a Deaconess.She volunteered to bring communion and meals to members’ homes who were ill or unable to attend Sunday services.Neva was also a member of Rebecca's Lodge and a member of the PTA. Neva attended Phagan's Beauty School in Salem, Oregon and earned her Cosmetology license in 1960. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a beautician, owning her own business while she helped keep her family and community member’s hair styled with the latest fashions. Neva opened her first salon, Neva's Beauty Nook, in Willamina, Oregon in 1963. From 1966-1968 the family moved to Eugene, Astoria, and ultimately settling down in Salem when Sox accepted a job with the Oregon State Fire Marshalls Office. Neva owned and operated a salon in West Salem and was the favorite hairdresser and barber for many ladies and gents.While living in Salem, Neva and Sox helped fundraise and build the West Salem Christian Church and School, which is still active today. The Lee family moved to Beaverton, Oregon when Sox was hired as Training Officer with Beaverton Fire Department. Neva opened the Hair Garden Salon in Beaverton and worked there until she retired. Neva and Sox Lee were active members of Beaverton Christian Church for 25 years, where you could find them preparing communion, teaching Awana youth groups, and hosting weekly Bible Studies for their “Press On” group.Neva’s prayer journal was always full! Her family often said her prayers had a direct line to God as they were answered with amazing speed!For a woman who lost her sight she certainly had a deep and abiding vision for how others should be treated. Neva was preceded in death by her Grandson Erik McKinney; Husband Oscar "Sox" Lee; Son-in-law Ronald Kief.Neva is survived by her daughters Patricia Kief of Sherwood and Cynthia Lee-Holloway (Fred) of Medford; five Grandchildren: Leann McKinney, Tony Kief, Janelle (Kief) Pinkston, Bailey (Holloway) Trebing, Chris Holloway; two Great Grandchildren: Courtney Pinkston, Travis Kief; three Great-Great Grandchildren, Wyatt and Chloe Pinkston and Grace Gillium. A Celebration of Life is planned for 1pm on October 6, 2018 at Beaverton Christian Church, Beaverton, Oregon. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Awana youth programs in Neva’s name either online https://www.awana.org or locally at the Village Baptist Church Awana Club in Beaverton.