Vilma Helena Lee was born on September 27, 1929 in Long Branch, NJ to the late Jeremiah Phillip “Preach” Davis and Mary Ella (Cole) Davis. She was raised in Red Bank, New Jersey and attended the Red Bank Public School until completing Red Bank High School. Vilma received her spiritual education at Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank, N.J.  She was married to James Melbourne in 1948. This union produced her two sons Aaron Bernard Melbourne Sr. and Bruce Melbourne both who predeceased  She later attended Monmouth Vocational school and received her L.P.N. in 1971. Vilma worked as a civilian employee at Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, NJ and at Marlboro State Hospital where she enjoyed working with the patients.  She would sometimes use her talent as a skilled piano player and organist to entertain the patient.  She was forced to retire earlier due to injury. In 1972, she met her soulmate Howell Lee Jr. who was stationed at Fort Monmouth and married in a small dual ceremony with friend Hank and Shirley Osborne. In 1979, Vilma and Howell decided to relocate to Port Richey, FL where they began a full life of community service.  They were District Governor and Governess of the Lion International Club.  They traveled locally and internationally and enjoyed their new surroundings and home in Port Richey.  Vilma was actively involved in her first church home of New Hope Baptist Church in Spring Hill.  At New Hope she was a Missionary and enjoyed community service and fellowship.  After Howell’s passing she found a new church home at Destiny Baptist Church also located in Spring Hill. She continued to be an active member even through the pandemic, even learning how to worship with her church family online. She loved to dress stylishly and she would often adorn matching accessories especially unique and ordant “church” hats.  Vilma loved to help others whether they were friends, family and even new acquaintances or strangers.  She would often give out two dollar bills with phrases like “God Bless or Good to know Jesus!” Vilma loved her family and organized mini-family reunions upon returning home to NJ for visits.  She was always willing to listen and help others, especially her family.  She is survived by one sister Brenda Andrews of Neptune, NJ. and her grandson Aaron Jr. of Jersey City. She was predeceased by her husband Howell Lee Jr.. parents Jeremiah and Mary Davis, brothers Winston Davis, Orion Davis, Melvin Davis, Gilbert Davis and sister Geneva Davis.  Nephews Ricardo Davis, Guy Davis and nieces, Marilyn Davis, Lorraine Bruno, Lynn Davis and Sonda McGary. She leaves behind 14 nieces and 9 nephews, and a multitude of great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Also 6 step-daughters (one predeceased) and 1 step-son.

Vilma lived a wonderful and full life in her 94 year.  She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, acquaintances and all persons that she came in contact with daily.