Mildred "Bay" McConnell

Mildred "Bay" McConnell, age 95, of Fayette, passed away Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at Fayette Medical Center. There will be a graveside service Friday, August 24, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at McConnell Family Cemetery with Rev. Joel Daniel and Rev. Nedra Deerman officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. at Norwood-Wyatt Chapel Funeral Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Robert McConnell, Sr.; parents, Waller Edward Butler and Naomi Jane “Jennie” Butler; four brothers, Albert Bruce Butler, Ed Caine Butler, Joe Neal Butler, Jack Scott Butler; and two sisters, Ruby Nell Crick and Marjorie Lee Roberts. Bay is survived by her daughter, Rebecca McConnell Kitchens (Brett); son, George Robert “Robin” McConnell, Jr. (Bobbie); grandchildren, Chris Bart McConnell, Abby Lee Brown (Clinton), Joseph Hunter Kitchens and Robert Chase Kitchens; and great-grandchildren, Colter Thomas Brown, Weston Lee Brown, Leah Rebecca Brown and Sawyer Gene Brown. Bay’s career always centered around people, beginning as a local telephone operator, then working as a secretary in her father’s agribusiness, Fayette Seed Farm.  Before retiring as Fayette County Chief Probate Clerk, she worked with the State Community Service Programs. Bay’s true loves were God, family and friends.  As the matriarch of the family, she nurtured everyone through her extraordinary cooking and story-telling.  Everyone who sat around her table was in awe of her culinary skills.  Possessing an amazing memory, she passed down family stories, as well as genealogy. Bay loved her independence and the years she spent in the Fayette community.  The family would like to thank her home church, friends and neighbors who helped her maintain her independence for so long, including Morningview. Pallbearers are Jerry Dodson, Larry Clements, Lynn Henry, Bart McConnell, Hunter Kitchens and Chase Kitchens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church; 378 Bethlehem Circle; Fayette, AL 35555 or a favorite charity.