Connie Sue Lesley

Grand Blanc sadly lost a pillar of our community on October 25, 2021, when Connie Merrill Lesley passed away from natural causes. Her contributions to the lives of many include work with St. Vincent DePaul, L.O.V.E., Inc. and countless hours spent helping those in need with the Holy Family Catholic Church. Over the years, Connie sponsored 23 individuals through the RCIA program, who chose to join the church. In 2006, she was presented the Athena award for her philanthropic work within the community. Connie also dedicated much of her time to her 13 years of service on the Grand Blanc City Council.

Connie was born March 1, 1938, in Flint, Michigan. She grew up in Andaloosa, Alabama and married John D. Merrill in 1956. By 1965, she returned to Flint, where she worked for Granston Hall, Warwick Manufacturing, and Strollinger Company. During which time she met the love of her life, Hayward (Les) Lesley. Together, Connie and Les spent much of their free time with loved ones on Lake St. Helen. Connie continued work with Shively Brothers until she retired in 2000. Her most important work, however, was done at home with her family. She is survived by her sons, J. Michael Merrill and T. Mark Merrill; her granddaughters, Christen and Lindsey; her great grandchildren, Crosby, Ryder, and Isabelle. She is preceded in death by parents, John Adair and Marvel Phillips; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Charles Hopfe; and husbands: John D. Merrill and Hayward "Les" Lesley.

The family asks that you share your stories of remembrance during visitation at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw, Grand Blanc on Monday, November 8 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm with rosary at 5:00pm. The family invites you to celebrate her life with a Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 S. Saginaw, Grand Blanc, on Tuesday, November 9 at 10:00am with visitation beginning at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Connie’s kindness, loyalty and compassion continue by making a donation to, or volunteering your time with, one of the organizations she so loved. Please honor her by supporting Holy Family Outreach or St. Vincent DePaul.

Fond memories and condolences may be offered to the family via the online guestbook at www.HillFH.com.