When asked, "What is it that you would want others to know?" Connie responded, "Ohhh,
that I loved the Lord, my family and friends, and that I enjoyed my time while I was able."
Born the only child to the late Tom Washington Young and Lila Mae Moore Young (who
later became Lila Chism), Connie Louise Young blessed the world on June 29, 1940. She
also shared a wonderful bond with her stepfather, the late Benjamin Lee Chism.

Connie's profession of faith was, "I know the Lord and what He has done for me." She often
attended worship services with her paternal grandparents, Deacon John and Deaconess Carrie
Young, at Jackson Street Baptist Church (Woodlawn), and was baptized and reared
spiritually at Greater Temple Baptist Church (Smithfield). She remained an active, faithful
servant at Greater Temple from youth to adulthood. In 1977, Connie joined Sixth Avenue
Baptist Church, where she served faithfully with the W.C. Sims Usher Board, Isaiah Davis
Usher Board, Sunshine Circle, Cultural Arts Committee, and Southside Matrons. Following
in the legacy of grandmother, Deaconess Young and Aunt Evelyn Young Posey, she was also
a faithful member of Order of Eastern Star – Royal Queen Chapter.

Raised in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, Connie was educated in the Birmingham City
School System (Lincoln Elementary School and A.H. Parker High School). She received
college degrees from Daniel Payne College, Allen University, and Alabama State University.
In 1967, she became one of two African American educators to integrate Shelby County
High School (Columbiana, Alabama). In 1970, she continued her career for 30 additional
years at Thompson High School (Alabaster, Alabama), where she retired in 2000.

In the 1970s, she became the proud and amazing mother of Felisha Renée Chism. She often
remarked that one of her greatest joys was being able to send someone to college.
Connie received her champion wings sweetly and peacefully on Wednesday, September 13,
2023.

Connie L. Young is cherished by her loving and devoted daughter, Felisha; loving and
dedicated goddaughter, Adrienne M. Denson; a best friend and sister since age 4, Lorine
Jarman; special sisterly cousins: Rebecca W. Howze (Mose); Sandra Posey; Delmarsha
Knight (Herman); Sadie R. Denson (Percy). Cherished Sisters of the Heart, Sarah C. Moore,
J.D., Elizabeth K. Mines, Jan Rita Jordan-Bonner (Mason), and Authurie Luster. Brother in
the Lord, Levi Jarman. Two aunts, Mrs. Hazel Young and Ms. Rosie Slones. Special
nephews, Reverend T'Dera Jarman (Cheryl); Mose Antonio Howze (Shalaney); Erskine L.
Anthony (Tia); Erick Moore; Tresechal (Terry) Rucker; Quinton Knight (Christian); special
nieces, April Howze, Qiana Knight, Ashanti Belyeu, and Traci Jarman. Village grands:
Jai'lyn and Donovan Knight; Madison and Mason Howze; and a host of dear family and
friends.