John H. Lee Jr.

John H. Lee was born on the Reservation on March 2, 1912. He was the fifth child of John H. Lee Sr. and Martha Ella Taylor and was nine years old when they were uprooted by the US Navy.

As a young man, John followed in his father's footsteps and worked as an oyster tonger, according to 1930 Census records.

John H. Lee Jr. married Josephine L. Parsons. Together they had eight children. They built a home on Penniman Road on the land that John's parents purchased after leaving the Reservation.

John H. Lee Jr.
Courtesy: The Lee Family

John H. Lee Jr. and Josephine (Parsons) Lee's home
Courtesy: The Lee Family

"Mr. Colonial Williamsburg"

John Henry Lee Jr. worked for Colonial Williamsburg for 29 years. He was known for loving his work and providing for his family. He began as a janitor with the Curator's Department from 1937 to 1950. In June of 1950, he was promoted to Head Custodian with the Curator's Department, a position he held until his retirement in 1966.

John H. Lee Jr.'s father had also found work at Colonial Williamsburg after being displaced from the Reservation. As a coach driver and custodian, John Henry Jr. continued the work ethic instilled in his family during their time in the Reservation community.

John H. Lee Jr.
Courtesy: The Lee Family

In these oral histories, daughter Christine James and descendants Curtis and Mary Lassiter describe the great pride John Henry Lee Jr. took in his work and how well-liked he was by co-workers.

Mr. Curtis Lassiter, Mrs. Christine James, and Ms. Mary Lassiter
Source: Oral History conducted by Amy Quark and Molly Robinson, April 24, 2022, The Village Initiative Collection

John H. Lee Jr.
Courtesy: The Lee Family

John H. Lee Jr.
Courtesy: Visual Resources, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

In these oral history excerpts, descendants recall John Henry Lee Jr. carrying on traditions from the Reservation as he farmed and raised livestock and provided food for the community.

John H. Lee Jr. and Charley the horse
Courtesy: The Lee Family

Mr. Curtis Lassiter, Mrs. Christine James, and Ms. Mary Lassiter
Source: Oral History conducted by Amy Quark and Molly Robinson, April 24, 2022, The Village Initiative Collection

John Henry Jr. is also remembered as one who brought the family together, whether by staying in touch with extended family or by making home brew to share at family gatherings.

John H. Lee Jr.
Courtesy: The Lee Family

Mr. Curtis Lassiter, Mrs. Christine James, and Ms. Mary Lassiter
Source: Oral History conducted by Amy Quark and Molly Robinson, April 24, 2022, The Village Initiative Collection

John Henry Lee Jr. passed away at age 46 on March 20, 1966.