Constance affectionately known as Connie was born on October 1, 1932 to the union of Ulysses and Iva Whitfield. Constance graduated from Northwestern High school where she was an athlete, a cheerleader, and champion swimmer and on the debate team. At the age of 16, she joined the army to care for her younger siblings. She was one of the first infantries of women to join and serve her country. Connie was known to break “color barriers” and did so in many aspects of her life. She was one of the first platoons as a woman of color known as WAC (Women's Army Corps) to serve her country. She served in Japan, spoke Japanese and taught English. She was trained as a marksman and served as a Nurse Secretary, her life was lived as a book yet to be written. [Connie] is honored by the Women veterans and has been awarded with a brick placed in the Veteran's wall in Washington D.C. in honor of her service. Upon her return home to the states she met and married John Lee (deceased) who served in the Air Force and to that union were born Karen and Darryl. Connie worked many jobs but eventually retired from Michigan or “MA” Bell again as one of the first AA women to be hired as a switchboard operator.

Later in life she succumbed to an incurable illness but fought a good fight and remained true to being a strong veteran who exuded strength, stayed true to her training and defied all odds with the many health challenges she had to face with the onset of Alzheimer's later in her life. She was loved and touched many hearts and if not a “fan” of hers could be a “bit” of a sailor that could make you wince with more than a few expletives to all the caregivers who knew her unfiltered. She could be very stubborn and feisty yet very loving but that made her who she was. She loved gardening & landscaping, tending to her wall of roses, a true sports enthusiast, an equestrian, loved to dance and lived her life to the fullest and was one wise and intelligent woman.

She leaves to welcome one day to her paradise two children, Karen and Darryl. Four grandchildren (Larry Walls, Sonshae McCoy, Kahlena Mohamed & Darrell Harrell. Three great granddaughters Kiara, Kalia and Kylie Walls. In addition, besides one sister Deloris (deceased), lives LaDon, Gloria, Shirley & brothers Ulysses and Michael. She leaves behind a host of a large Whitfield family which is includes a host of nieces, nephews and grands. As well as countless loving friends to her and her immediate family and caregivers along the way, and they know who they are. Connie counted on the ones who were with her throughout her entire journey and carried her presence within them. She appreciated the ones who took time to truly be there for her at the worst of times for her family, which may have been the best of times for her. She loved so much her family yet missed so many members due to the cruelty of this disease that kept many afar as often “Alz” or “Dementia” does as it is a lonely and misunderstood disease that some can not reconcile with its reality that can afflict any of us and is an equal opportunity unpredictable illness. Thank you all who stood by and offered solace, and caring words and for your support of our family. We appreciate you so much! Connie always said we have it backwards here on earth, you are to weep when babies are born and celebrate upon a person's death. Well, Mother, Gram and Friend we stand corrected and celebrate your home going and you will forever be with us. You will now have to become filtered with the language that you once knew because your Lieutenant is fully in charge now. You certainly left footprints in the sands of your lifetime, it's time now that you are carried and cared for by stronger hands eternally and we wish you Godspeed.

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