Karon Leys

Karon Lee Leys, age 80, of Helena, Alabama, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024, following an extended illness. She will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with arrangements handled by A.S. Turner and Sons, Decatur, Georgia.

Karon was born in Hobart, Oklahoma, on January 6, 1944, to Dorothy Lucille and Edgar Allan Rickey. The family soon relocated to Altus, Oklahoma, where Karon obtained her education. After graduation, she met and married William (Bill) Leys, an airman stationed at Altus Air Force Base. Their formal military wedding was held in 1963 at the base chapel, and both of their children were later born at the Altus AFB hospital. Bill left the Air Force in late 1967, and the family moved to Decatur, Georgia. There, Karon began her long and successful career as a legal secretary and legal assistant in nearby Atlanta and, in 1980, Birmingham, Alabama. In 2013, Karon left her position at Birmingham's Huie, Fernambucq & Stewart to join her husband in retirement at their home in Helena.

In addition to her parents, Karon was predeceased by her sister, Joan Stiles, and her beloved first-born daughter, Darlene Renee' Leys. She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, William E. (Bill) Leys; her son, William E. (Billy) Leys Jr. (Toshi); and her grandson, Chayton R. Leys.

Karon will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her successful career, and her warm, loving nature. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.