Everyday Angels

Brianna and Jesse Lee’s love story began in high school. They met their senior year at Cherokee High School, where Jesse played football and Brianna cheered. After graduating in 2014, Brianna attended Kennesaw State University, and Jesse served in the Marine Corps. They were married five years ago and have two children, William, 4, and Amelia, 2 weeks.

Their nine-year love story was tragically cut short just eight days after Brianna delivered their baby girl via cesarean section. “Brianna seemed perfectly fine until she went to lie down, because she had a headache,” Jesse said. “It worsened quickly, as she began moaning and crying in pain. I immediately drove her to the emergency room. Due to COVID-19 protocols, I was not allowed to be with her. We were able to send texts when she was able, but she was not doing well. Her last text said, ‘I love you.’ A CT scan and MRI were performed. The CT scan appeared normal, but the MRI revealed bleeding on her brain, and things escalated rapidly. It was snowing on Jan. 14, which limited our options to relocate her since life flight was logistically not an option. The next notification we received was they were prepping her for brain surgery. She went into cardiac arrest several times before surgery was performed, never regaining consciousness,” he said.

Weeks before her 26th birthday and sixth wedding anniversary, Jesse had to lay his beloved Brianna to rest. “There is no replacing her,” Jesse said. “She was IT. Everyone says they have a one and only, and she was mine. She was, still is, and will always be.”

It often is difficult to see beauty in the ashes, but baby Amelia is the miracle. Brianna was scheduled to deliver Amelia on Jan. 19th. She went into labor earlier, on Jan. 7, and passed on Jan. 15. The family is thankful for the gift of Amelia.

The impact that Brianna made on the lives of others during her short 25 years was remarkable. She loved and served Jesus and her family and friends. She had a special way of creating community around her.

Over the years, Brianna embraced her role as a proud Marine wife, creating forever friendships along the way. She proactively created private social media methods to support military wives, helping hundreds of young women across the county. She supported Jesse as he served his country through five military deployments and numerous relocations, until finally returning home to serve Canton as a police officer. Now, the community this sweet couple grew up in, loved and served, is loving them back.

“Our community has overwhelmed us with support and love,” said Pam, Brianna’s mom. “Our hearts are shattered, but our faith remains strong, and we know that God has bigger plans. Amelia looks just like Brianna, and we are grateful that our daughter lives on through Will and Amelia’s DNA. God is living through this wonderful community to help put the pieces of our hearts back together. We are grateful for the Canton police family, Generations Church, my brother and sister’s families, and also the Detweiler family for all they have done to help us through this. We truly believe the hundreds of prayers we received have allowed us the grace to move forward. The list is simply too long to name them all.”

Even from heaven, Brianna continues to change lives. Eleven people gave their lives to Christ at her funeral. Police officers from three counties lined the streets and escorted the family during her funeral procession. Friends traveled from all over the country to say their goodbyes. May we all be so loved.

We ask that you pray for this precious family as they struggle with their loss.

The Canton police department has put together a GoFundMe account (www. gofundme.com/f/m83bs-lee-familyexpenses) in support of the Lee family, or you may donate through Everyday Angels.

Jesse, Brianna and Will Lee.

Everyday Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels. info to donate via Paypal, or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in our community, email aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.