Conleth Lees

Conleth Diane Higgins Lees, age 71, of Hoover, passed away on December 8, 2010, surrounded by her family. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 25, 1939. She graduated from Bayley-Ellard Regional High School in Morristown, New Jersey and Saint Xavier College in Chicago, Illinois. Connie is survived by her husband, William Laurence Goodloe Lees, her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Brad Johnson of Tuscaloosa, son and daughter-in-law, Meredith and Jeff Lees of Birmingham, and her granddaughter, Ella Johnson. She is also survived by her brother, Mark Andrew Higgins, of Greensboro, Georgia, her sister, Christine Cryer Chapel, of Ventura, California, and her stepmother, Mary Bess Higgins of Atlanta, along with several nieces, nephews, and a wonderful group of friends. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Leonard Higgins and Esther Bersenas Higgins, and her brother, Timothy Raymond Higgins. Connie will be fondly remembered by those who knew her for her distinctive personality and leadership ability. After serving as president of the student body at her college, she lived a life of service in her community. Connie took great pride in the growth and success of her adopted hometown of Hoover and was a founding member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Prince of Peace Catholic Church Building fund or your favorite charity. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to all of those who assisted in Connie's medical care, especially Dr. Bonnie Armour, Dr. Larry Dye and Dr. James Barton, as well as Dr. Tom Ozbirn and all the staff at Cahaba Valley Dialysis Center and Brookwood Hospital.