Mary Kay Cornell Lee of Willow Springs, NC passed away on August 10, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.  Always know as "Kay," she was born in Graham, NC on March 18, 1948 and graduated from Graham High School.  Kay was married to Philip Lee for fifty-two wonderful years.  Kay's pride and joy was the house that she and Phil shared.  They spent many hours inside and out, taking it from a plain two-story house to a welcoming homeplace for family and friends.  There is a shelf of her beloved cookbooks in the kitchen.  She was an avid Tarheel fan and patiently endured the rantings of her Duke fan husband.  Kay is survived by her husband Phil of the home; daughter Robyn Hollister, son-in-law Brad Hollister and grandson Stewart, all of Charlotte, NC.  She is also survived by her brother Mike Cornell of Southport, NC and sisters Joan Puris, Gail Jordan and Lisa Harrison, all of Burlington, NC.  She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Nellie Cornell of Graham, NC; sister Ann Birchett of Augusta, GA; and brother Glenn Cornell of Burlington, NC.  Smith Funeral home of Broadway, NC is handling arrangements for the family.  No services are planned.  The family request that any memorials be made to hospice organizations or the charity of your choice.