Etta Wanell Lee, 83, of Lake Butler, FL passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026. She was born on March 3, 1943, at Camp Blanding, FL. 

Wanell was adopted by George and Carolyn Sandel at the young age of 8 after her mother, Edith Brannen, passed away. She grew up in Worthington Springs, FL and enjoyed life on a farm. 

She met the love of her life, James M. Lee, at a high school dance when she was 17 and they were later married. Wanell was mainly a stay-at-home mom raising 3 boys and a daughter. 

With her children mostly grown she went to work at the Union County High School in the cafeteria and later worked with the special needs kids. 

Wannell was very active in church teaching Sunday school and working with the youth group. She loved the outdoors and working in the yard growing plants and flowers. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren spending as much time as she could with them.

Wanell is preceded in death by her husband, James Lee; her mother Edith Brannen; adoptive parents Gary and Carolyn Sandel; and her brother Eddie Dekle.

Wanell leaves behind a family that will truly miss her. Her children Eddie (Becky) Lee, Joey (Christian) Lee, Gary Lee, and Lynell Lee; her grandchildren Alan (Angel) Lee, Ryan (Lauren) Lee, Amanda (Jason) Bradley, Misty (Adam) Graham, Wyatt Lee, Chase Lee, Cheyenne Lee, Michaelyn (Titus) Odom, Shleby Sweat, Garrison (Sierra) Lee, Shane (Tiffany) Lee, Shanell Lee, and 17 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.