Sheila Lee, a respected Jamaican businesswoman and the widow of legendary bandleader Byron Lee, died on June 6 in Florida. She was 83 years old. Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Julianne, according to Observer Online.
Although she maintained a relatively low public profile, Lee played a significant role in many of her husband’s ventures. She was closely involved in the operations of Dynamic Sounds, the influential recording and distribution company Byron Lee operated from 1964 until his death in November 2008 at the age of 73.
Lee also contributed to the success of The Dragonaires, the iconic band Byron Lee founded in 1955 while attending St. George’s College in Kingston. In addition, she supported the development of Jamaica Carnival, the annual festival launched by Byron Lee in 1990. The event helped introduce and popularize the soca culture of the Eastern Caribbean in Jamaica and became one of the island’s largest celebrations, attracting thousands of revellers each year.
Among her most notable achievements was the establishment and operation of Sheila Music, a publishing company that further strengthened her family’s connection to the music industry.
Born Sheila Khouri in Kingston, she was the eldest of 10 children born to Michel and Lily Khouri. The Khouri family was deeply rooted in Jamaica’s music industry. Her father was a cousin of Ken Khouri, founder of Federal Records and one of the pioneers of Jamaican recorded music.
The Khouris maintained close ties with the Nasralla family, another prominent Jamaican family of Lebanese descent. Through her friendship with Ronnie Nasralla, a fellow student of St. George’s College, Sheila became acquainted with Byron Lee. During the rise of ska music in the early 1960s, she helped promote the genre and frequently appeared alongside The Dragonaires, whose recording of Jamaican Ska became a major hit.
Sheila and Byron Lee were married for 41 years and raised two children together. Her influence extended beyond her family life, helping to support and sustain several of Jamaica’s most important music and entertainment enterprises.
She is survived by her daughters Judy, Julianne and Danielle; three grandchildren; three stepchildren; four brothers; and four sisters. She was predeceased by one brother.
A thanksgiving service celebrating her life is scheduled for June 19 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
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