A beloved town councilman and dedicated coach, Marlon Lee, passed away suddenly on May 25, 2025, leaving a void in the hearts of many in Smithfield and Clayton.
The prime reason behind his unanticipated demise remains unknown, as his family is mourning in private.
Marlon Lee is survived by his daughter Y’zana Lee, whom he had been raising alone, and his parents, Alonza and Betty Lee.
Details surrounding the mother of his child remain unknown as of now.
Marlon Lee’s daughter, Y’zana Lee, plays basketball for Clayton High School’s varsity team.
As a junior in the Class of 2026 wearing jersey #5, Y’zana takes on the role of a guard (G) and small forward (SF).
Following his sudden demise, social media has flooded with condolences.
The town council shared a condolence post on behalf of Mayor Andy Moore and the Smithfield Town Council, which reads:
We extend our heartfelt condolences on the sudden passing of Councilman Marlon Lee. His service and dedication to our community will always be remembered.
Mayor Andy Moore
We ask that you keep his family and friends, along with all of us, in your prayers as we come to grips with this loss for our town.
Respected coach Marlon Lee has been a Smithfield Town Council member since 2013, representing District 1 in East Smithfield. He was passionate about improving his community and worked hard to support its residents.
Marlon Lee’s career was a remarkable blend of athletic leadership, educational dedication, and public service.
Lee was also a proud Saint Augustine’s University graduate, where he played basketball.
Beginning as a standout 6’11” basketball player at Saint Augustine’s University, Lee helped secure the school’s first CIAA Men’s Basketball Title in the 1996-97 season.
Thanks to his achievements, Marlon Lee was inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame after graduating in 1999 with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing.
Transitioning to education, Marlon Lee joined Johnston County Schools in 2001, serving as Dean of Students, Assistant Athletic Director, and head coach of the Clayton High School girls’ basketball team.
As the head coach of the Clayton High School girls’ basketball team, Coach Lee led the Lady Comets for over 17 years.
Under his guidance, the Lady Comets achieved 273 victories, one sectional title, four regular-season conference titles, two conference tournament championships, and 13 state playoff appearances.
In 2003, he founded the Men of Distinction program at Clayton High School under the motto “We Stand T.A.L.L. (To Achieve, Learn, Love).”
It teaches young men about good values, leadership, and helping others.
Elected to the Smithfield Town Council in 2013, Lee served District 1 for over 11 years.
He worked on community initiatives like naming a walking trail in memory of Jackie Ray Bryant and supporting memorial events for figures like fallen soldier Jeffrey Isaiah David.
In 2023, he was named the girls’ coach for the Carolinas Basketball Classic, and in 2015, he served as the assistant coach for the N.C. East-West Girls All-Star Game.
Thus far, the details surrounding Marlon Lee’s funeral services remain unknown. During this ordeal, we offer our heartfelt condolences to his daughter, parents, friends, colleagues, and extended family.
Rest in Heavenly Peace, Marlon Lee!
