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Lee Elaine Frierson Sullivan, 65, of Branford, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022, at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City. She was born to the late Buck and Sally Frierson on June 26, 1956, in Pinellas County, Florida. Lee was a graduate of Branford High School class of 1974 and she also attended Lake City Community College. She married Johnny Sullivan on December 20, 1978, and she enjoyed the next 43 years of marriage with him. In her younger days, Lee became an accomplished floral designer working in Shelly’s Flower Shop for many years before resigning for a career change as a Deputy Clerk with Columbia County Courts. Lee was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Doyle Frierson (Sheila).
She enjoyed many years in that position, always excited for the days she had to be in the court proceedings, ultimately responsible for the evidence that was to be presented by both counsels. Somehow they always made time for either weekends at Horseshoe or mini vacays to Jekyll Island. Regardless of where they ended up or what they were doing, she and Johnny ALWAYS were doing it TOGETHER.
Anyone who knows Lee knows she was terrified of doctors. Even after many years of nursing, I don’t think I've ever seen a worse case of “ white coat syndrome”. She also wasn’t a fan of needles, so, needless to say, turning glass into H20 was easier than getting her to a doctor. She would always say “ya’ll gonna have to drag my ass out of this house kicking and screaming – I’M FINE!” Again, anyone who knew Lee can attest to how strong-willed and hard-headed she can be! Even though she was physically small, she was mighty and had no problem getting her point across or making her needs known. To know her was to love her and that included her snarkiness and lack of a filter! Ultimately, Lee lived her best life every day she could while living her fairytale romance. It’s not common these days to see a couple devote 43 years to each other and still be crazy in love, but they were! She got to experience the stability and balance that true love brings. Not everyone is lucky enough to experience it but she was one of the lucky ones. They were nothing short of “Relationship Goals!”
All of that changed on 10/4/19. As we know, Lee was tough as nails and would never complain. She and Johnny were blessed with good health for the majority of their time together.
Only being hospitalized for childbirth until this day, we watched as EMS drug her out and down the stairs to be whisked away to the nearest hospital just like she always threatened. Her stubbornness may have been her biggest downfall and it was probably already too late to change the upcoming course of events that had been set in motion. It was the first of many calls to EMS over the next 2 years for them to help get her to a place that provided the emergency care she needed. Upon her coming home after her first hospital stay it was noticed that she was never the same ole Lee as she once was. The Lee we all knew and loved was gone, the spark she once carried in her eyes was no more and her aura was much dimmer.
The once fierce, outspoken, and vibrant Lee was somehow replaced by what appeared to be a little ole “granny” who never spoke up and would twiddle her thumbs in her lap. Since she was never one to complain it was always a challenge trying to gauge how much of her old self was still in there and how much memory of her old life did she still retain.
Her final two years were nothing short of heart-wrenching as Johnny transitioned into her
24/7 caretaker since she was now a complete “total care” patient. So now, besides his normal “hubby duties” and continuing to work 40 hours, he was now taking on her ”wife duties” that she used to do while providing whatever care she needed whenever she needed it day or night. Regardless of what we all thought her mental state really was those last 2 years, I hope, more than anything, that there was never one second that she didn’t feel low much she was truly loved and I pray she never felt lost or lonely. Once it was obvious that the goal of her getting better and regaining her independence was never going to happen we were stuck facing our new reality. Her health was rapidly declining and her care plan goals changed from improving her health to keeping her comfortable and pain-free. She began refusing food, not wanting to drink anything and her bathroom trips were rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Her last days spent in their home were awful for her as well as for everyone who was involved.
EMS came for what would be the last time to take her to the hospital. Within 2 days of being there, the doctors confirmed what we all feared; her time was almost up. We were advised it was time to call in Hospice. She was transferred to Hospice of North Central
Florida, located in Lake City, Florida; which would be her final destination before her demise. She took her last breath on 03/31/2022 at 2:00 PM while surrounded by her family.
Survivors include her husband, Johnny Sullivan, Branford; their only daughter, Carmen
Sullivan (Max Law), Branford; grandson, Tyler Trenary, Branford; granddaughter, Caylee Trenary, Branford; one brother, Larry Frierson (Lori), Branford; sister-in-law, Sheila Frierson, Cross City.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 3:00 PM in the Gateway Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service in the chapel from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
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