Crystal Chen Lee

RALEIGH - Crystal Chen Lee, 38, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, June 14, 2025, after courageously enduring a monthslong battle with cancer. She departed peacefully at home surrounded by her husband, family, and close friends from among the many who tenderly cared for her in her final weeks.

Born in Oakland, California and raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Crystal was a bright and inquisitive learner from a young age. Her belief in the power of teachers and public education to change lives, her natural leadership and drive, and her Christian concern for those on the margins of society led her on a prolific and impactful teaching and research career at the nexus of literacy, teacher education, community engagement, and underserved youth. In 2017, after marrying her husband Daniel and completing her doctorate at Teacher's College, Columbia University, Crystal was appointed to the faculty of North Carolina State University's College of Education as Assistant Professor of English Education. There she founded The Literacy and Community Initiative, which partners with community-based organizations to examine, support, and promote the voices of underserved youth, such as refugees and those formerly incarcerated. She published prolifically, created new courses, obtained tenure in 2023, served on 19 dissertation committees, led in her profession, advised many doctoral students, and joined the College's leadership as Senior Advisor of Strategic Excellence.

Crystal was beloved by many as a compassionate, warm, and brilliant person, wife, daughter, sister, teacher, scholar, advisor, devoted follower of Christ, and friend who inspired a sense of belonging, joy, creativity, and welcome across many communities. She served her church and the broader community in myriad ways, including as board member and vice chair of CORRAL Riding Academy. A gifted vocalist and classically trained musician, she and Daniel served together in the worship music ministry of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, as well as in the New City Fellows community.

Crystal was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Li-Hua Cheng Chen; paternal grandparents Shoei-Sheng Chen and Zu-Ying Hsueh Chen; and by her mother-in-law Byung Wan Lee.

Crystal is survived by her husband of eight years Daniel Joonyong Lee; parents Yih-Farn "Robin" Chen and Wen-Ling Chen; brother Jason Chen; maternal grandfather Huei-Jeh Chen; father-in-law Hi Seon Lee; sisters-in-law Jane Wan Kim and husband Peter, Grace Lee Wong and husband Tian An; nephews Aven, Benjamin, and Calen; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family; and her canine companion Ollie.

The family will receive friends and relatives for a viewing and visitation on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home (831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604). Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (100 E. Peace Street, Raleigh, NC 27604). Private inurnment will be held in the church columbarium at a later date.

Guests to the funeral service are encouraged to wear floral accents or accessories as a tribute to her love of flowers and life, and to the brightness and joy she has brought to so many.

Those who cannot attend the funeral service in person may participate via livestream here.

Flowers are welcome, or in lieu, memorial contributions may be made to:

• CORRAL Riding Academy: https://corralriding.org

• Refugee Hope Partners: https://refugeehopepartners.org

• Holy Trinity Anglican Church: 549 N. Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com