Portia Renet Lee

Portia Renet Lee, a beloved daughter, sister, co-worker, mother, friend, grandmother, and retired U.S. Soldier, departed this life far too soon on May 3, 2025, in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings – Greg Lee and Marcia Lee.

Born into a proud military family, she was the cherished daughter of Robert Lee, Jr. and Grace Casey-Lee. One of five siblings, the only child born in Tennessee, as an adolescent, her family experienced the beauty of cultures and diversity of life while living in The Presidio of San Franciso, California; Ft Huachuca, Arizona; and Ethiopia then settling back into their hometown of Spring Hill after her father retired from service.

Addressed as “Portia” and also known as “Net”, she graduated from Spring Hill High School and chose to follow in the honorable footsteps of her father by serving her country upon enlisting in the Army National Guard at the age of 19. It was here that she began to build a meaningful career as an IT Specialist and also earned an Associate Degree. Her military service was not just a career – it was a calling that reflected her strength, discipline, kindness, love for her country and community. She served in the National Guard with integrity and dedication until her retirement and continued working after retirement as a civilian.

Not only did she begin to build her professional career in the Army National Guard, she also began her journey as a mother upon meeting Angel Peguero, also a military veteran, and birthing their son. Her greatest joys were witnessing the fruition of her values, career interests, and hobbies through her son. Values such as dedication to family, love, laughter, support, consistency, education, community, compassion, and care. Career interests such as technology. Hobbies such as movies. Both of which her son has made professional careers. And her biggest joy, witnessing her son become a father, allowing her to become a grandmother.

A lifelong resident of Spring Hill, Net became a familiar and friendly face in many surrounding areas. Her warm heart, generous spirit, and infectious energy left a lasting mark on all who knew her. She was a devoted member of Mt. Hope Baptist Church, where her faith and compassion found a home. Whether sharing one of her famous home-cooked meals, capturing memorable moments through the lens of her camera, telling a joke, attending a Blues festival, drinking a Bud Ice, cheering for the Titans, playing her numbers, showing her affection for dogs and animals, or simply sharing an inspiring word, Net brought light and laughter wherever she went.

Net's legacy lives on through her loving son, Orlando Cortez Lee; her treasured granddaughter, Carrigan McCollum; her siblings, Ava Lee and Kevin Lee; and a host of aunts: Mary "Deena" Carter, Shelia (Henry) Smith, Margaret (Joseph) Lee, and Phyllis (John “Turk”) Lee. She also leaves behind her dear nieces and nephews: Tish (Brian) Smith, Tierra Foster, Zaron Foster, Marico Lee, Lavada Lee, Jamaal Stewart, James (Brylei) Stewart, Cuban Lee, and Aaron Lee, along with many great-nieces and nephews.

She is also remembered fondly by her devoted circle of family and friends that became extended family: Lyn Harrison, Talmidge Hardison, Francis "Cookie" Armstrong-Polk, Dorothy Jean Armstrong, Pauline “Flink” Baugh, Paulette “Red” Oden, Margie “Chat” Beech, Bridgett Stuart, Moraya “Mi Mi” Lee, Reggie (Denise) Polk, Demetria "Dee Dee" Oden, Carla Sanders, Rozenner Caldwell, Blondell “Wheat” Caldwell, Gloria “Niecy” Sander, and many other beloved, helpful friends and neighbors.

The family will receive family and friends Friday, May 16 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Home. A celebration of Net’s life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest with honor and love at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.

Portia Renet Lee will be remembered for her joyful heart, unwavering kindness, and the deep connections she built with everyone around her. She touched many lives—and her memory will continue to do so for years to come.

The care of Portia Renet Lee and her family has been entrusted to Spring Hill Memorial. To share words of comfort and condolences, please visit www.springhill-memorial.com