Ethel L Legrand

ETHEL LEE LEGRAND, affectionately known as “Aunt Lee,” was born on September 9, 1923, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Lula Gilliam and Otis Kearns. On November 24, 2025, after a brief illness, she peacefully gained her wings at the home of her devoted niece, Alice Batts of Baltimore, MD. “Aunt Lee” was a woman who loved the Lord with all her heart. Saved and full of praise, she danced and worshipped God daily. She was educated in the Catholic School System of Baltimore City, Maryland and completed the 9th grade at St. Frances Catholic School. Born sickly with polio and not expected to survive, she grew into a strong, resilient miracle who often testified about being blessed by the healing ministry of “Daddy Grace” who was the founder of The United House of Prayer For All People in Greensboro, NC. Often “Aunt Lee” would use the phrase “Don’t Get It Twisted” as an expression of reflection and chastisement towards those who she loved the most. She was a dedicated and active member of The United House of Prayer For All People Church, where she often sang, and praised the Lord on a regular basis. “Aunt Lee” lived through the Great Depression, The Ku Klux Klan, Prohibition, The Rosewood Massacre, World War II, The Pearl Harbor Attack, The Civil Rights Movement, The King Assassination Riots, The First Man On The Moon, The Vietnam War, The September 11 Attacks, three covid vaccines, the first Black President Obama and many more of life’s challenges. Ethel Lee worked for many years in custodial positions and at hotels. She spent much of her life helping to raise her sister Dora Mae Batts’ nine children, pouring her heart into her immediate family and distant relatives. She was married twice. However, 65 years after she met her second love, she reunited with, and married Odell Robbins Sr. of Mecklenburg County, NC at the sweet tender age of 89 years young! Aunt Lee spent most of her adult life in Greensboro, NC. where she was devoted to her church, The United House of Prayer For All People. She loved to dance, laugh, share stories, and enjoy life. Small in size, but mighty at heart, her feisty spirit was unforgettable. She was blessed with many caregivers and people who loved her in her later years. Her “main man,” Vincent Bess, brought her endless joy. Teresa Batts, lovingly cared for her with dedication, Charlene Batts Thomas, devoted her life to caring for “Aunt Lee,” her great-nephew Raymond Johnson Jr., ensured that Aunt Lee would reach her final resting place here on earth. Her great-niece Redonia Johnson ensured that Aunt Lee was decked out with all of her accessories, and she always made sure she sent “Aunt Lee” shoes, clothes, jewelry, and money. Aunt Lee was always grateful for the many tokens of love that was bestowed upon her by her family and friends in Baltimore, MD. Prior to returning to Baltimore at the age of 90, “Aunt Lee,” was cared for and loved by many in Greensboro, NC including Denise Gray, Phillis Williams, Lea Gray and Virginia Lomax and Ms. Tatum, all of North Carolina. She leaves to cherish her memory: her niece, Alice Batts; nephew, Quentin Batts; great-nieces, Charlene Batts Thomas, Teresa Batts and Redonia Johnson; greatnephew, Raymond Johnson Jr.; devoted friend, Bernetta Hux; stepson, Odell Robbins Jr.; many great-grand-nieces, -nephews and friends she met along the way. Those who preceded her in death are: her husband, Odell Robbins Sr.; sister, Dora Mae Gilliam; three brothers-in-law, Nathaniel Tripp, John Henry Batts and Furnace Mack; brother, Steve Kearns; four nieces, Betty Boardley, Dorthy Johnson, Johnnie Mae Scott and Portia Lee Batts; two nephews, John Henry Batts Jr. (WheeJhee) and Joseph Batts; and aunt, “Sally” of NY. Aunt Lee’s love, strength, and joy will forever live in our hearts.

Tributes

Ethel L Legrand

September 9, 2023 - November 24, 2025