Gail Abraham Lee

On June 10, 2025, after five years of a courageous battle with cancer, Gail Abraham Lee peacefully entered the saving arms of Jesus shortly after some of her favorite scriptures had been read to her, and family members and close friends shared cherished moments with her. Gail lived out her faith in Jesus’ words found in John 14:1-2 - “Let not your heart be troubled…I go to prepare a place for you.”

Gail’s well-lived life had its beginning on October 6, 1944, when she was born to her parents Alice Jabour and Edward Abraham in Vicksburg, MS. She was the devoted sister to three sisters and a brother.

Gail graduated from Vicksburg High School with numerous honors but most importantly she is affectionately remembered for her gracious kindness and caring spirit. Her hometown friends and classmates lovingly ask about Gail Abraham and refer to her as the sunshine of her class. Gail enrolled at Mississippi College where she was a perfect fit. She excelled in academics, leadership activities, and cheerleading. Gail’s charming personality and wholesome beauty got the attention of a number of fine young men and especially Tommy Lee from Forest. After their first date, a five-and-a-half-year courtship followed. After graduating from Mississippi College, Gail went to teach fourth grade in Gulfport, and Tommy went to law school at Ole Miss. The story of their engagement is an example of the importance of the covenant agreement of marriage being forever. When asked, Gail would tell the story of the unique opal ring on her left hand. In October of his last year at law school, Tommy took the engagement ring to Gulfport and wanted to get Gail to wear it for the weekend. To Tommy’s dismay, Gail declined to do so. She explained to Tommy that she wanted to be absolutely sure and unequivocally said that when she put the ring on, it would be FOREVER. Tommy bought the ring in October, Gail put it on in April, and a flurry of nuptial plans were put in motion for a beautiful Vicksburg wedding on June 29, 1969. The sacred marriage vows including “until death do us part” were exchanged soon to be 55 years ago.

The happy couple settled in Forest with Tommy practicing law with the Lee Family Firm, and Gail winning the hearts of her fourth-grade students at Lake and Forest Schools. Many of Gail’s former students credit her for their love of learning and speak gratefully for the joyful experience of being her student. Gail had a deep affection for all children. Years passed with her not being able to have a biological child. She and Tommy continuously prayed and searched for modern medical avenues. They have a wonderful testimony about God’s miracle of their son, Jon Dray. Gail completely immersed herself in motherhood, loving every second. She proudly volunteered with Forest Baptist Church’s Children’s Choir, Bible School, PTA President, Den Mother for Scouts, and numerous sporting activities. Gail adored seeing Jon Dray’s amazing musical talents emerge as he began to play several instruments.

In November of 2017 the Forest Area Chamber of Commerce named Tommy and Gail Lee for the distinguished honor of Citizens of the Year. A full-page coverage in the Scott County Times concluded with a quote from Gail about her hobbies and things she enjoyed. “But my greatest joy,” Gail says, “is being a mother.” Those of us who know Gail well are confident that she would add “being a grandmother to her two grandsons as being her additional greatest joy.”

It is no coincidence that Jon Dray, who was pursuing family medicine at UMMC, invited a beautiful dental student, Nikki, to accompany him to the Citizen of the Year reception. After they both graduated from medical and dental schools, Jon Dray and Nikki married. A year later Beckham Lee was born, and the following year Jamieson Lee was born. The grandsons brought unimaginable joy and love to Gail. During her sickest moments, Gail would say, “seeing my boys is the best medicine I could possibly have.”

Gail is survived by her beloved husband Tommy, her son, Jon Dray and Nikki Lee, grandsons Beckham and Jamieson Lee, siblings Robert Abraham (Debbie), Eleanor Durst (Joe, deceased), Lynn Middleton (Scott), and Carla Leese (David), and a host of nieces and nephews.

The arrangements are: Visitation will be held Friday, June 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at OTT & LEE Funeral Home, Forest. Visitation will, also, be Saturday, June 14 from 10:00-10:45 am in the sanctuary at Forest Baptist Church with the Service following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gail’s honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or UMMC Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ott & Lee Funeral Home of Forest.