Dr. Martha "Marti" Davis Lee

January 23, 1965 - March 20, 2025

Martha "Marti" Davis Lee, PhD, 60, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. A proud native of Tybee Island, Georgia, Marti was born on January 23, 1965, to James McIntyre Davis and Jean Caldwell Davis.  A lifelong scholar, Marti's love for learning was evident from an early age. She attended St. Michael's Catholic School before graduating from St. Vincent's Academy in 1982 as a National Merit Scholar. Her academic excellence earned her a full scholarship to the University of Georgia, where she obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration.  Though she initially pursued a career in computer technology, Marti soon followed her true calling—education—just as her mother had before her.  Her passion for literature and teaching led her to earn a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from Georgia Southern University in 2003. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Marti went on to achieve her PhD in 20th Century British and Irish Literature from the University of South Carolina in 2019, an accomplishment she held as one of the proudest moments of her life. While at USC, she worked alongside
poet and activist Ed Madden, co-editing Irish Studies: Geographies and Genders (2008). Her love for Irish literature and culture took her on many travels to Ireland, where she spent time learning Gaelic and studying one of her literary heroes, W.B. Yeats.  Marti was an English professor at both Georgia Southern University and Armstrong Atlantic University for over 20 years. She was known not only for her expertise but also for the warmth, humor, and encouragement she brought to her students and colleagues. Those who worked with her described her as "bright, warm, and positive," "one of my favorite people to work with," and "so easy to love." She had a gift for making literature accessible and relevant, often challenging her students to see the world through different perspectives. One of her proudest teaching moments was when a student told her, "Professor Lee, you are the most woke teacher I ever had."  Beyond her professional life, Marti was devoted to her family. She married Robert "Bob" Lee, the love of her life, and together they shared nearly 33 years of marriage. Their journey began on Tybee Island, where they lived for nearly a decade before spending several years in Clyo, GA, eventually returning to their beloved island. Marti had a deep love for books—so much so that Bob built countless book shelves over the years to house her ever-growing collection.  She found joy in boating to the sandbar, riding horses, traveling, and cheering on her Georgia Bulldogs every football Saturday.  A passionate sports fan, she always had strong opinions about the game - Kirby Smart, she had some advice for you!  Marti is preceded in death by her parents, James and Jean Davis.  She is survived by her devoted husband, Bob: their daughters, Kelsey Lee Smith (Matthew) and Erica Lee Kersey; and her cherished granddaughters, Margot (4) and Charlotte (1) Smith and Sophia Kersey (10).  She also leaves behind her brothers, Jimmy Davis (Diane) and Scott Davis (Melanie), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.  Marti will be remembered for her intelligence, warmth, kindness, fierce loyalty, and unwavering strength.  She loved with her whole heart, lit up every room she entered, and never met a stranger.  Fearless and outspoken, she stood for what was right and never hesitated to speak truth to  power.  She was a force of nature, a bright light in the lives of so many, and she will be profoundly missed.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 2-4 p.m. at the Tybee Island Guard House next to Jaycee Park.  For those who would like to honor her memory, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations:

https://safeshelter.org/donate/

https://www.humanesocietysav.org/make-a-donation

https://action.aclu.org/give/now

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL (912) 748-2444