Ann J. Leigh, 73, was born on February 5, 1945 in Memphis, Tennessee to parents Levi E. Miller, Jr. and Dorothy Boykin Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Dorothy; maternal grandparents, Hargie Aaron Boykin and Mary Folwell Boykin; and paternal grandparents, Rev. Levi E. Miller, Sr. and Rutha Ragsdale-Miller.

Ann was educated in the public schools of Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Lincoln University (Missouri) for three years, earned a nursing degree from General Hospital School of Nursing (Kansas City, MO), and completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

During her time at Lincoln University, Ann met and later married, husband of 51 years, Vincent C. Leigh on November 18, 1967. At the time of her death, Ann was employed as an RN and Chief of Sterile Processing at Kansas City VA Medical Center.

Growing up in Memphis, Ann excelled in school and extra-curricular activities. She was a very giving and thoughtful child and was known to have a penchant for caring for others. As a youth, Ann once saved up all the money she could for the entire year so that she could buy every fellow student in her class gifts for Christmas, as it was her favorite holiday.

Serving as a nurse for nearly half a decade, Ann exhibited her talents early, earning the General Hospital School of Nursing Clinical Practice award for her treatment of a burn patient. Upon graduating, Ann secured a job as an RN at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Kansas City, where she quickly rose through the ranks to eventually head up Central Supply.

Ann worked in this capacity for more than 30 years at Baptist until its closing in 2006. She then went on to serve in a similar role at Kansas City VA Medical Center, where she continued her streak of excellence earning multiple awards, including special recognition by Missouri Governor, Jay Nixon for her work in implementing decontamination solutions across VA hospitals.

Those who knew Ann also know that she was a fabulous cook and used it to spread love and care for others. She was known for her famous mac n cheese, but everyone had his or her favorite Ann Leigh dish. She would go out of her way to make and deliver on as many food requests as possible, even if it meant staying up all night cooking to do so.

Ann departed this life on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Research Medical Center and will be missed by many. She leaves to cherish her memory husband, Vincent C. Leigh; son, Vincent C. Leigh, II; daughter, Meila V. Leigh; brother, Levi E. Miller, III; half-siblings, Margaret Payne, Pamela Miller-Willis, Eric Miller, and Vicki Miller-Hamilton; grandchildren, Jocelyn Diana Leigh and Janelle Ann Leigh; uncles, Saul E. Miller; aunts, Mallie Weathers, and Joyce Brooks; nephews, Kevin Miller and Michael Miller; cousins, Marie Boykin Scott (Robert), Elizabeth Ann Boykin (Reginald), Dr. Carmel Boykin Wright (John), Walter Boykin, II, Michelle Boykin and a host of other in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services Friday, December 21, 11:00 a.m. at Swope Parkway United Christian Church. Interment Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.