Julia Lee Rilee Conner, 91, of Hayes, passed away on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at Heron Cove at Sanders in Gloucester.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Nettie Rilee; her husband, William A. Conner Jr.; her son, William A. Conner III; and her five brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughters, Joan Emerson and Annette Gross, of Williamsburg, and Karen Conner (Reuben Jackson), of Vermont; as well as daughter-in-law, Anne Conner of California. Also, grandchildren, Kim Emerson-Tipton (Tom Tipton) of Newport News, Heidi Teagle (David) of Williamsburg, Christian Conner of New York, and Bartt Emerson (Liz), and Daniel Conner of California; great-grandchildren, Emily Bollinger, Maggie Bollinger, Casey Goldsby (Keith), Chandler Smart, and Kai Emerson; sisters-in-law, Lydia Rilee and Estella Rilee of Gloucester, and many other extended family members.

Julia Lee was a lifelong resident of Gloucester, and was a woman ahead of her times in many respects. In the 1950s, she became the first woman in Gloucester to run for the Board of Supervisors and enjoyed brief local fame. Although unsuccessful, she maintained a lifetime interest in politics and always held strong opinions on many subjects. She was a devout and devoted member of Providence Baptist Church. Most importantly, she was a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her large extended family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sanders and Riverside Walter Reed Hospice for the excellent care they provided to our dear loved one.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Dr. Richard Croxton will be held at Providence Baptist Church, on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at 1 p.m. Burial will be private. The family received friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.

In our mom’s memory, contributions can be made to Providence Baptist Church, 3501 Providence Road, Hayes, Va. 23072 or Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, P.O. Box 1130, Gloucester, Va. 23061.