Nelle Harper Lee (1926-2016), Pulitzer Prize Winning Author of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

photo by Rob Carr/Associated Press

Nelle Harper Lee, the legendary award-winning author of To Kill a Mockingbird who won the Presidential Medal of Freedom in in 2007 and made news with the unexpected publication of Go Set a Watchmen in 2015, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016. She was 89 years old. Michael Morrison, President and Publisher of HarperCollins US General Books Group and Canada remembered Ms. Lee fondly.

The world knows Harper Lee was a brilliant writer but what many don't know is that she was an extraordinary woman of great joyfulness, humility and kindness. She lived her life the way she wanted to - in private - surrounded by books and the people who loved her. I will always cherish the time I spent with her.

Rest In Peace Ms. Harper. Your words will continue on for many generations to come.