Dr. Norby T. Lee, a beloved community leader and educator for life, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, at her residence on Aireys Road in Cambridge, MD, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 69 years old.

Norby was born on January 24, 1955, in Dorchester County, Maryland to RoseLee and Thomas Molock. She embraced servant leadership and exemplified its core principles, particularly stewardship, commitment to personal growth, and community building. She consistently led by example, willingly doing the work while stepping back to allow others to take the spotlight. Following the unexpected loss of her sister, she took up the mantle and dedicated herself to securing grants and managing bookkeeping, ensuring that Dr. Theresa Stafford's New Beginning Learning Center persevered despite her declining health.

As a respected leader in our community, Norby was a dedicated advocate for parents and students, actively participating in special education meetings to uphold their right to a free and appropriate public education. She served as a foster parent for over 15 years and contributed her expertise as a member of the Maryland Citizens Review Board for Children for approximately six years, where she reviewed foster care cases to support the well-being of vulnerable youth.

Norby dedicated 39 years to the education system, positively influencing the lives of thousands of students and often starting their mornings with a home-cooked breakfast. Her career began in Wicomico County, where she spent 22 years as a Business Education teacher at Mardela Middle and High School. She then served in the Talbot County Public School System, holding leadership roles as vice principal at St. Michaels Middle and High School for 3 years, Easton Middle School for 5 years, and Easton High School for 2 years. Norby concluded her remarkable career with 7 years as the principal of Easton Middle School.

Norby was a beloved charter member of the Iota Chi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She joined the sorority in the Spring of 1975 through the Eta Beta Chapter at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. As Christian woman of faith, Norby supported numerous churches in Cambridge and the surrounding areas throughout her life. She remained a dedicated member of Christ United Methodist Church from childhood until her passing. Norby had a deep love for gospel music, often singing along with her favorite hymns during church services and while driving in the car.

Everyone knows that once she became your friend, she was a friend for life, steadfast and unwavering. Her loyalty and kindness created bonds that stood the test of time, making her a constant source of support and comfort to those fortunate enough to know her. Her sense of humor and her boundless willingness to help anyone in need will be cherished and remembered for years to come.

Norby was a devoted mother, foster mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Even in her final days, she prioritized the well-being of others over her own, focusing on ensuring that her loved ones would be cared for after her passing.

She is survived by her 3 children: Katina Molock-Ash (Tyree) of Laurel, DE, Theodore Molock of Cambridge, and Terrell Molock (Andrea) both of Cambridge; a bonus daughter, Lukitia Smith of Cambridge, 2 stepchildren: James W. Lee, Jr. (Lisa) and Kevin Lee of Cambridge; a special friend and companion, James Cornish and a foster daughter, Daytona Rapp; 11 grandchildren: James W. Lee III (Jarnice), Zaida Williams (Heather), Khalil Molock, Raykquon Molock (Shailin), Kayla Richards, Tajh Molock, Tayshawn Quailes, Terrell Molock, Jr., Ja'Leel Quailes, Ke'asia Molock, Tyasia Quailes; 5 great grandchildren: Myleah Jones, Kaylee Dennis-Molock, Ka'Zyia Meekins, Raylyn Molock, Joanna Lee and James W. Lee, IV; 3 siblings: Terrylynn Hopkins (Charles), Jacqueline Chester (Cynthia), and Lynn McCoy, two sisters-in-law Oceanious Gibbs, and Emily Lee; one brother-in-law, Lewis Stafford, Sr.; aunts and uncles: Esther Thomas, Eugene Camper, Sr. (Betty), Gloria Jones (Milton), Camilla Cooper (Robert), and Cardeaner Robinson; 4 very special friends who kept in contact with her on a regular basis: Gayle Secrist, Marcia Sprankle, Barbara Woolford, and Lorenzo Hughes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Thomas and RoseLee Molock, Dr. Lee was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Lee, Sr.; her sister, Dr. Theresa Stafford and several aunts and uncles.

Her impact on the lives of others will be cherished and remembered forever.