Kaleta Kay Jesse Conlee stepped into the presence of the Lord on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at Sid Peterson Hospital in Kerrville.
Kay was born on Dec. 24, 1924, in Markham, Texas, to Walter Flood and Nellie Gullett Jesse. She lived in Markham until going away to college at age 15. She use to proudly declare that by the time she was 17, she had graduated high school, taken a beauty course, gotten married, and had a baby.
On March 8, 1942, she married William Edward W.E. Conlee Jr. at Markham United Methodist Church. Her parents were among the beginning founders of this small community church which still thrives today.
Kay realized her lifelong dream of being a successful cosmetologist. She owned and operated Kays Beauty Salon in Markham, Texas, for many years. The Conlees lived in Markham, where they raised their daughters until the early 70s. They then relocated to Kerrville, the heart of the beautiful Hill Country. Together, they established Conlees College of Cosmetology. This thriving top-notch Redken school is still operating today, bearing her name.
One of Kays great joys in life was the art of hair styling and coloring, and she was quite proficient in her field. She was an expert not only in hair styling but in training, mentoring and recruiting for the school. Kays lifelong dream had been to be a hair dresser from the time she was a little girl. She always declared she was truly blessed to have found a profession in which she looked forward to going to work each day.
Kay was a devout Christian and her faith had grown even stronger the last few years of her life. She was on fire for the Lord and yearned to share the gospel with whoever crossed her path. The love of the Lord was so evident in her life by word and deed. Her desire was for all to know Jesus personally.
Kay is preceded in death by her loving parents; only brother; husband of almost 60 years; and devoted son-in-law.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Wayne Robertson of Houston, Texas; daughter, Vinna Farhoudi of Kerrville, Texas; and daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and James Lewis of Anchorage, Alaska. Survivors also include grandchildren, Leighann and Wayne Laviolette of Austin, Texas; David Robertson of Houston, Texas; Farrel and Shannon Farhoudi of Los Altos, Calif.; Kamron Farhoudi of Kerrville, Texas; Ryan Farhoudi of Los Angeles, Calif.; Misty Roberson of Houston, Texas; and Mathew and Alora Lewis of Anchorage, Alaska. Other survivors include 12 great-grandchildren ranging in age from 1 to 18 years old. What a legacy this wonderful woman leaves!
Her celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Kerrville Bible Church.
The family requests no flowers, only contributions to Kerrville Bible Church in her memory, if you so desire.
