In this 2020 photo, Alberta Lee holds a photograph from when she was the first female commissioner for Allen County. Lee died Thursday morning at The Greens in Lima. She was 89.
File Photo | The Lima News
LIMA — A role model in the City of Lima has passed away. Alberta Lee was the first woman to hold a county-wide office serving as an Allen County Commissioner. Lee was first elected into office in 1990 and served as a commissioner until 2002.
Although she no longer held public office, she continued to give her time and effort throughout her life. Each year she sponsored the annual Jefferson awards. Lee donated the funding for recipients to give to the charity of their choice. The contribution she gave to the community did not stop there. Lee served on various boards including the Lima City School board, Rhodes State College and positions including Allen County recorder before becoming a commissioner.
Lee’s son, Brett, shared more about the life of his mom.
“She was involved heavily in the community with her first starting out in the city school system,” said Brett Lee. “She was elected to the Lima City School board. During that tenure, she was president. In the 70’s when the country was facing school busing, she went to Washington and presented some facts and ideas. Her ideas ended up being the groundwork for the magnet schools in Lima along with the other school board members.”
Lee also said his mother was a successful realtor, broker and a part of the Lima Rotary Club. He hopes to protect her legacy and integrity.
In 2000, Alberta Lee was nominated for the Athena award. In 2002, she was honored with the lifetime achievement award. Fourth Ward Council Member Peggy Ehora said that Lee ‘paved the way for the elected females in the community’ in a previous Lima news article.
Lee not only inspired other women in public office but advocated for their campaigns. In 2020, Lee wrote a letter to The Lima News in support of present Allen County Commissioner Beth Seibert.
Another pioneer Mayor Sharetta Smith weighed in on the passing of Lee. Throughout her road to becoming mayor, Smith thanked community members like Lee who made an impact and helped pave the way for many others.
“I am saddened to hear about the passing of such an icon and trailblazer in our community,” said Smith. “I think that Ms. Alberta set an example not just for women seeking public office but for really anyone seeking public office. I admire that she saw herself as a public servant first and was focused on doing a good job. One with dignity and one that reflected her love of community.”
Alberta Lee’s legacy will continue to inspire others to make a difference in the community around them.
Reach Precious Grundy 567-242-0351.
