While working as the chief clerk at Northwestern Railroad, Annie studied art at night for eight years, eventually earning a Master of Education degree from Loyola University.
Using her designs, Lee also developed figurines, high fashion dolls, decorative housewares, and kitchen tiles.
The play Six No Uptown written by L.A. Walker, Terry Horton, and Cassandra Sanders was inspired by Lee's painting of the same name.
She donated her time and artwork to help the Foundation raise money to keep students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
They honored her and wrote; "Annie Lee has established herself internationally not only as an artist, but a respected and business savvy entrepreneur.
Her noted ability to convey feelings through the faceless subjects of her paintings has won her a place in history as one of the icons of African American art.
Her art reflects on our history, our families, our struggles, our joy, our strengths, our weaknesses, our pride, our idiosyncrasies and on the faith that sustains us The Joyner Foundation emphasized, she is "OUR" Annie Lee.
Using the power of artistic expression to advocate self-awareness, self-respect, and also create opportunity and positive change is paramount to who Annie Lee was, and what her legacy should be all about.
[10] Musical artist Lizzo paid a visual tribute to Blue Monday during her December 17, 2022 Saturday Night Live appearance.