Connie Louise Upton Miles was born May 1, 1952 in Bay Springs, MS. She was born the oldest, and only girl, of three children to Conrad and Cleo R. Upton. Connie was married to Ray Vernon Miles of Picayune for 39 years.

Connie is preceded in death by her husband, both of her parents, and brother Ricky Upton of Picayune. She is survived by her brother, Chris Upton of Picayune, son, David West (Nancy) of Oak Grove, daughter, Tammi West (Shay Jackson) of Brandon, grandchildren, Hannah Clare, Noah, Sadie, Addison Grace, and Elim West along with nieces, nephews, Grand-loves who loved her as Meme, and her beloved dog TeaTea.

Connie graduated from Picayune Memorial High School, attended hair school and worked as a hair dresser (because that's what they were called back then). She was a Regional Director for Avon Corporation keeping her family and friends stocked with skin so soft to ward off the mosquitoes every summer. She was also a two-time graduate of the Mississippi School for the Blind. Hobbies included planting flowers, "digging in the dirt," dancing and laughing.

Connie loved to serve others as she volunteered for many years at the Sea and Sun Camp for the blind, was a member of the Brandon Lion's Club, and served at food pantries at her church. Connie loved people. She never met a stranger and some might say she could talk to a brick wall. One of her brothers said she could run the battery down on a fully charged cordless phone! She thrived having relationships with friends and family. The line between family and friends was very blurred because if she loved you, you became her family.

She was a proud mother and grandmother, but the most important relationship in her life was with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As her eyesight failed her, her dependence on God grew. With every health concern and days of illness, her faith never failed her. She had the gift of encouragement and would pray for anyone who needed it and would thoughtfully send greeting cards for birthdays, sympathy or just encouragement. Connie will forever be missed, but we have confidence in her testimony and the many times she would say, "whenever the Lord decides to take me, I'm ready!"

Services for Connie will be held Wednesday, February 14 at Crossgates Baptist Church where she is a member. Visitation will be at 11:30AM, with services starting at 1:00PM. Services will be live streamed.  Graveside service 3:30PM at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery in Bay Springs.

Pall Bearers are Noah and Elim West, Tommy Upton, Joel and Caden Pastorek, Zee Rice, and Herman Walker.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Crossgates Food Pantry, https://crossgates.org/give (click on Benevolence).